Happy Canada Day!!
Today is a holiday for Nath and I. And what better way to relax than to discuss what books we're looking forward to this month. LOL As always, let us know if we missed any good titles!
July 1
Out of His League by
Cathryn Parry
published by Harlequin (Harlequin SuperRomance)
Catch her if he can...
Dr. Elizabeth LaValley's life works just fine, thank you very much. She's a successful anesthesiologist, and she's put the chaos of her youth and family behind her. When hottie pitcher Jon Farell shows up in her hospital, she's the only one who doesn't fawn over him. Sure she feels the heat between them, but being alone is safe and predictable. She didn't get where she is by taking risks.
Jon can't get the beautiful doctor out of his head. His talents on the field have always been enough for any woman. But if he's going to win Elizabeth's heart, he'll have to offer her much more than a wicked curveball...
Genre: Category romance
Series: None
Nath: I've been in the mood to read about doctors and this one sounds so cute :) I like that it's the jock doing the pursuing.
The Couple who Fooled the World by
Maisey Yates
published by Harlequin (Harlequin Presents)
The true meaning of keep your enemies close…
Most women would kill to be on Ferro Calvaresi’s arm. The enigmatic Italian is one of the richest men in the world and at the top of his business game. Julia Anderson is not most women. She’s as rich as Ferro and twice as hungry.
The only way to seal a major deal is for these two rivals to play nicely…together. Yet neither expected the media to soak up their ruse so quickly or so publicly! But when the deal is won, are the world’s hottest new couple beginning to believe their own lie?
Genre: Category romance
Series: None
Ames: This review made me interested in this title, otherwise I totally would have overlooked it. I can't wait to read it, it sounds interesting.
Nath: It wasn't on my radar, but now it is because of Ames :)
Over It by
Sarah Billington
self-published
Teen Youtube song writing sensation Poppy Douglas's lead singer boyfriend Ty's been criss-crossing the country and living it up on tour for months while Poppy has been stuck in the boring suburbs, finishing out the school year.
But it's Summer now, and the best thing just happened: Poppy's royalties for writing the hit song The Kiss Off just came in. She's minted, and she knows just what she's going to blow it on.
Ty's band Academy of Lies are headlining a summer music festival, and Poppy is taking her girlfriends along for the best weekend of their lives. It's all organized: the weekend is going to be full of camping under the stars, backstage passes, VIP rooms and partying like rock stars, not to mention some long awaited one-on-one time with America's favorite front man.
Except, when someone drops out of the trip and Poppy takes the opportunity to mend a broken friendship, it doesn't quite go according to plan. And when she meets her boyfriend's BFF from another band, the paparazzi form their own totally wrong conclusions. There's also the matter of Ty's 'super fan' stalker, but the less said about her the better.
The biggest test of all comes in the form of an opportunity too good to pass up. But will insecurities and jealousy stand in Poppy's way? Can Poppy and Ty's relationship even survive it?
Life is about to get much more complicated for Poppy Douglas, but what can you expect when your boyfriend is a rock star?
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: The Kiss Off, Book #2
Ames: For those paying attention, Rowena and I will be reviewing this book for July. This is the sequel to The Kiss Off, a book I really enjoyed even though it had a few problems. It sounds like the main conflict from The Kiss Off is reversed here and I like the sounds of that. It'll be good to revisit these characters.
July 2
The Distance Between Us by
Kasie West
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Harper Teen)
Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.
So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.
She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: None
Ames: I've had this one on my radar for a while. I've never read Kasie West before but Nath brought her to my attention with Pivot Point. I prefer contemporary YA over sci-fi/dystopian YA so I'm glad I'll be able to sample her writing.
Nath: I totally fell in love with Pivot Point back in February and was soooo happy that Ms West had another release this year! LOL, I'm the opposite of Ames, I prefer UF/fantasy YA over contemporary YA, but I'm definitively picking up The Distance Between Us. Plus, the reviews have been very favorable, so really looking forward to this book :)
The Secret History: A Novel of Empress Theodora by
Stephanie Thornton
published by New American Library
Where Theodora went, trouble followed…
In sixth century Constantinople, one woman, Theodora, defied every convention and all the odds, and rose from being a common theater tart to become empress of a great kingdom, the most powerful woman the Roman Empire would ever know. But the woman whose image was later immortalized in glittering mosaic was, in fact, a scrappy, clever, conniving, flesh-and-blood woman full of sensuality and spirit whose real story is as surprising as any ever told…
When her father dies suddenly, Theodora and her sisters face starvation on the streets. Determined to survive, Theodora makes a living any way she can—first on her back with every man who will have her, then on the stage of the city’s infamous amphitheater in a scandalous dramatization of her own invention. When her daring performance grants her a back-door entry into the halls of power, she seizes the chance to win a wealthy protector—only to face heartbreak and betrayal.
Ever resilient, Theodora rises above such trials and by a twist of fate, meets her most passionate admirer yet: the Emperor’s nephew. She will thrive as his confidant and courtesan, but many challenges lie ahead. For one day, this man will hand her a crown. And all the empire will wonder—is she bold enough, shrewd enough, and strong enough to keep it?
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: None
Ames: I like strong women in historical novels and this one fits the bill.
The Wicked by
Thea Harrison
published by Samhain Publishing
The adventure of a lifetime might just end in turmoil, but when it includes meeting your future mate, who gives a hoot?
For a librarian with a focus on rare magic books, Olivia’s new job is a dream come true. She has been hired as part of a team to help manage the safe transportation of the collection of books owned by the Vampyre sorceress Carling Severan. The fact that the library is located on a mysterious island in an Other land only heightens the adventure.
Head of security for the expedition, Sebastian Hale is tired of his rootless life of adventure and finds himself attracted to the calm, beautiful librarian. But he is living a personal nightmare. He has been hit with a curse that is slowly taking away his sight, and he doesn’t know if he will survive the results.
But the powerful feelings growing between them, along with Sebastian’s inner turmoil, take a backseat when they learn there is a traitor lurking among their expedition team. With Elder Races politics and a priceless library on the line, they’ll have to rely on each other to survive the experience.
Warning: When a librarian who likes to nest meets an owl Wyr who has always lived for adventure, their romance won’t just be fly-by-night…
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #5.5
Ames: Thea Harrison is an auto-buy author for me.
Nath: LOL, Ames, have you read all of her novellas? I haven't, but I have to say, this one sounds cute. An owl and a librarian, hmmmm.
Ames: I only read the first two books in the series! haha So no novellas yet. And yes, it does sound cute. I love owls. And librarians. :P
Monroe:
Soooo behind on this series but I have enjoyed the ones I've read! I'm sure I'll read this down the road.
Scandal in the Night by
Elizabeth Essex
published by St. Martin's Press
The Spy Who Loved Her
Assuming a false identity as a prim and proper governess, the bold and beautiful Cat Rowan thinks she has finally escaped the wild misadventures of her past—and the wickedly handsome spy who seduced her in India. Imagine her surprise when her employer introduces his brother: the very same cad who destroyed her heart!
The One Who Got Away
The Honorable Thomas Jellicoe cannot believe his eyes when he sees his beloved Cat—the Scottish beauty who nearly jeopardized his mission in India. Disguised as a horse trader from the bazaars of the Punjab, the British spy risked his life for one night of passion in her arms. But here and now—breaking all rules of decorum—one heated kiss ignites a flurry of gunfire. For their enemies have followed them home. And love is the greatest danger of all…
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Reckless Brides, Book #3
Ames: I hate spies, but I like false identities (lol it's practically the same thing) and I like this author. Win win. I do hope we get to see some of the book taking place in India.
Nath: I read the excerpt Ames and I think the book takes place in England :( You might be lucky and get some flashbacks in India? Anyway, I'm looking forward to this book :) I like Ms Essex' writing style and I'm curious to see the man Thomas as become as he was a cute lad in A Breath of Scandal :)
Ames: I could deal with flashbacks. LOL
London's Last True Scoundrel by
Christina Brooke
published by St. Martin's Press
When he was bad, he was so very, very good…
London’s Ultimate Bad Boy…
Physically reckless, irrepressibly roguish, and poised on the brink of ruin, Jonathon Westruther, Earl of Davenport, returns from the dead only to throw himself into dissipation. Until he meets his worst nightmare: a straitlaced former schoolteacher he can’t get out of his head. He resolves to seduce the delightful Miss Hilary deVere by fair means or foul. But when his past returns to endanger Hilary, he must protect her at all costs…
Meets England’s Most Proper Miss
Dismissed from her post at a ladies’ academy because of prejudice against her uncouth family, Hilary will do anything to avoid going back to live with her loutish brothers. She longs for a London season to show the world a deVere can behave with utmost decorum and to find a respectable husband. Everything about Lord Davenport appalls her, but desperation makes strange bedfellows. To get to London, Hilary strikes a bargain with the devilish Davenport, confident that she’s immune to his charm. But as she discovers surprising depths beneath his rakish surface, this infamous scoundrel becomes more temptation than even the most proper lady can withstand…
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Ministry of Marriage, Book #4
Nath: I've enjoyed the past books in the Ministry of Marriage series and hope this one will continue the trend :) I'm a bit dubious about the hero though, but I have confidence Ms Brooke will pull it off.
Monroe:
This is such an odd comment but I don't like this cover because of that guys butt...lol the pants should've been black. Lol
Nath: LOL Monroe. I'm not a fan of the cover either ^_^;
July 9
Fifth Grave Past the Light by
Darynda Jones
published by St. Martin's Press
Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she is determined to stay away from him until she can find out the truth. According to her therapist, however, she lacks conviction.
When dead women start appearing in her apartment - lost, confused and terrified beyond reason - Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes's help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer's next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who's responsible. And even if he can't, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her - body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay…
Genre: Mystery with paranormal elements
Series: Charley Davidson, Book #5
Nath: Book #5 already! Seriously, Ms Jones keeps pumping these books out! These are really fun and enjoyable books, perfect when you're feeling down. I do hope we get some progress in the overall storyline.
Right of Way by
Lauren Barnholdt
published by Simon & Schuster (Simon Pulse)
Can a road trip repair a romance gone wrong?
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.
Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.
Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: Companion novel to
Two-Way Street
Ames: I really enjoyed Two-Way Street and I love road trip novels so this is one I'm really looking forward to.
Nath: I still need to read Two-Way Street! Perhaps this book is the kick I needed to get on with it LOL. Have to say, I really like the feel of Right of Way's cover. Tied in very well with Two-Way Street :)
July 15
The Heiress Effect by
Courtney Milan
self-published
Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.
And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.
Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.
Genre: Historical romance
Series: Brothers Sinister, Book #2
Ames: Courtney is an auto-buy author for me and this one sounds really cute and sweet.
Monroe:
Love love love this cover!!!! And Milan rocks! ;)
July 16
Dirty Little Secret by
Jennifer Echols
published by Simon & Schuster (MTV Books)
Bailey wasn’t always a wild child and the black sheep of her family. She used to play fiddle and tour the music circuit with her sister, Julie, who sang and played guitar. That ended when country music execs swooped in and signed Julie to a solo deal. Never mind that Julie and Bailey were a duet, or that Bailey was their songwriter. The music scouts wanted only Julie, and their parents were content to sit by and let her fulfill her dreams while Bailey’s were hushed away.
Bailey has tried to numb the pain and disappointment over what could have been. And as Julie’s debut album is set to hit the charts, her parents get fed up with Bailey’s antics and ship her off to granddad’s house in Nashville. Playing fiddle in washed-up tribute groups at the mall, Bailey meets Sam, a handsome and oh-so-persuasive guitarist with his own band. He knows Bailey’s fiddle playing is just the thing his band needs to break into the industry. But this life has broken Bailey’s heart once before. She isn’t sure she’s ready to let Sam take her there again…
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: None
Ames: This is the second YA in this post featuring a musical heroine. Good stuff! I like it, makes things a bit different. And cute cover!
Nath: I looove the cover! I'm a bit disappointed though with the reviews that have been floating on blogland for Dirty LIttle Secret. I enjoy Ms Echols' writing, but she can be hit and miss for me.
Beauty and the Billionaire by
Jessica Clare
published by Berkley (InterMix)
Gretchen's a ghostwriter who hates her career. But when a fat contract lands in her lap with an odd caveat, she takes it. That caveat? That she has to live under the roof of the scarred, brooding, and incredibly sexy billionaire that she's just seen naked...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Billionaire Boys Club, Book #2
Ames: I enjoyed book 1 in this series (but didn't review it yet) and I liked Gretchen's character and the hero's as well. I can't wait to see how these two get on. :P
Monroe:
I can't remember if I've read book one or not...either way I love this author so ill buy it!!!
July 23
Provoked by
Joanna Chambers
published by Samhain Publishing
Lowborn David Lauriston lacks the family connections needed to rise in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world. Worse, his latest case—defending weavers accused of treason—has brought him under suspicion of harbouring radical sympathies.
Troubled by his sexuality, tormented by memories of a man he once platonically loved, David lives a largely celibate life—until a rare sexual encounter with a compelling stranger turns his world on its head.
Cynical and worldly, Lord Murdo Balfour is more at home in hedonistic London than dingy, repressed Edinburgh. Unlike David, he intends to eventually marry while continuing to enjoy the company of men whenever he pleases. Yet sex with David is different. It’s personal, intimate, and instead of extinguishing his desire, it only leaves him hungry for more.
As David’s search for the man who betrayed the weavers deepens, he begins to suspect that his mysterious lover has more sinister reasons for his presence in Edinburgh. The truth could leave his heart broken…and more necks stretching on the gallows.
Genre: M/M, historical
Series: Enlightenment, Book #1
Ames: OMG! I really enjoy Joanna Chambers and I'm so excited to see her writing m/m!
July 30
Magic Rises by
Ilona Andrews
published by Berkley
Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.
Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.
Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Kate Daniels, Book #6
Nath: I am soooo looking forward to Magic Rises. Definitively in need of my Kate Daniels fix... However, I'm a bit concerned. First, the change in model for the cover and second, the blurb just sounds off. At the end of the day though, what matters is what is inside the book and I hope this one will be good. I'm curious to see the European shapeshifters...
Love and Other Scandals by
Caroline Linden
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)
Joan Bennet is tired of being a wallflower. Thanks to some deliciously scandalous—and infamous—stories, she has a pretty good idea of what she's missing as a spinster. Is even a short flirtation too much to ask for?
Tristan, Lord Burke, recognizes Joan at once for what she is: trouble. Not only is she his best friend's sister, she always seems to catch him at a disadvantage. The only way he can win an argument is by kissing her senseless. He'd give anything to get her out of her unflattering gowns. But either one of those could cost him his bachelor status, which would be dreadful—wouldn't it?
Genre: Historical romance
Series: ?
Ames: Ok, this one sounds cute. The best friend's sister...she's also a wallflower. I like Caroline's writing and this one sounds like something I'll enjoy the heck out of.
Nath: LOL, same reasons as Ames :)
Some Like it Hot by
Susan Andersen
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
"Wrong for each other" never felt more right...
Even a lifelong traveler like Harper Summerville has to admire the scenery in Razor Bay, Washington. There's the mountains. The evergreens. The water. And Max Bradshaw, the incredibly sexy deputy sheriff. Still, Harper's here only for the summer, working covertly for her family's foundation. And getting involved with this rugged, intense former marine would be a definite conflict of interest — professionally and personally.
Max's scarred childhood left him determined to put down roots in Razor Bay, yet one look at Harper — a woman who happily lives out of a suitcase — leaves him speechless with desire for things he's never had. He might not be big on talking, but Max's toe-curling kisses are getting the message across loud and clear. Harper belongs here, with him, because things are only beginning to heat up…
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Razor Bay, Book #2
Ames: I like that the heroine is the wanderer in this story, not the hero. I think it'll be a fun read.
Nath: Ms Anderson is an auto-buy for me :) Her books have been great summer reads!
Three Little Words by
Susan Mallery
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Isabel Carlisle thinks she's cursed in the romance department. Her teenage crush, Ford Hendrix, ignored all her letters. Her husband left her for another...man. So Isabel has come home to dust off her passion for fashion and run the family bridal shop until her parents are ready to sell it. Then she'll pursue her real dreams. At least, that's the plan, until sexy, charming Ford returns and leaves her feeling fourteen all over again....
Seeing Isabel all grown up hits bodyguard trainer Ford like a sucker punch. Back when heartbreak made him join the military, her sweet letters kept him sane. Now he can't take his eyes-or his lips-off her. The man who gave up on love has a reason to stay in Fool's Gold forever-if three little words can convince Isabel to do the same...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Fool's Gold, Book #12
Nath: I'm curious about this one because the hero is Ford Hendrix :)
Monroe:
FORD!!!!! I'm with Nath! Ill read it simply for Ford. I do love the series anyway though ;) lol
The Chocolate Touch by
Laura Florand
published by Kensington
Dominique Richard's reputation says it all--wild past, wilder flavors, black leather and smoldering heat. Jaime Corey is hardly the first woman to be drawn to all that dark, delicious danger. Sitting in Dom's opulent chocolaterie in Paris day after day, she lets his decadent creations restore her weary body and spirit, understanding that the man himself is entirely beyond her grasp.
Until he touches her...
Chocolate, Dominique understands--from the biting tang of lime-caramel to the most complex infusions of jasmine, lemon-thyme, and cayenne. But this shy, freckled American who sits alone in his salon, quietly sampling his exquisite confections as if she can't get enough of them--enough of him--is something else. She has secrets too, he can tell. Of course if she really knew him, she would run.
Yet once you have spotted your heart's true craving, simply looking is no longer enough...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Amour et Chocolat, Book #3
Ames: Laura Florand writes great chocolate. LOL And I loooove chocolate.
Nath: I've actually already read this book and I really enjoyed it!! Fans of Ms Florand and chocolate, you'll want to pick this one up!
Midnight Frost by
Jennifer Estep
published by Kensington (K-Teen)
Here we go again …
Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.
As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: Mythos Academy, Book #5
Nath: I think the first line of the blurb says it all: "Here we go again..." I'm not up-to-date with this series; however, it's still on my radar because the author is Ms Estep. One day, one day :)