Buddy Review: Wait for You by J. Lynn

Wait For You by J. Lynn
Self-published in February 2013

Some things are worth waiting for...

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing...

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet...

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

Genre:  New Adult
Series:  Wait For You #1

The story: Avery Morgansten is attending college thousands of miles away from home to escape what happened to her five years ago. She wants to be as far away from home and the memories that come with it. She wants to move on with her life. But things don’t always happen the way that you want them to. She hasn’t gotten over what happened to her and meeting the charming and super sexy Cam Hamilton doesn’t change that.

When Cam comes into her life, Avery is thrown because she wasn’t planning on diving into a relationship. She’s a mess but when Cam refuses to go away, she decides to enjoy it but when her problem from back home doesn’t go away, Avery’s world comes crashing down and threatens the new life she’s building.

Rowena: So, I loved this book. What did you think?

Ames: I thought this book was ok. I did not connect with Avery and the only saving grace to me was Cam and his infinite patience and understanding. I thought that although Avery's character did grow, it was too little too late for me.

Rowena: I guess where Avery is concerned, I was much more interested in finding out what the heck happened five years ago on Halloween night and knew that it had to have been pretty big because Avery was a complete mess in this story. I wanted to know about the big bracelet that she never takes off. I wanted to know where the hell her parents were and why they weren’t more supportive of her. I wanted to know why she was acting the way that she was acting so while I did have my frustrations with her characters, I didn’t let them get to me. I wanted to understand so I let her slide with a bunch of stuff but like you, she frustrated the hell out of me sometimes.

Cam was an amazing addition to this story. He was one of those guys that makes people sit up and take notice. His charm and his personality shines through in everything that he does and he’s not a dick. He’s a college guy that acts like a college guy but he’s also a nice guy. I loved the way that he was with Avery. How patient he was and the way that he was always there for her. I want my own Cam!

Ames: I guessed what happened to Avery early on in the story, even what was under that bracelet. And omg I hated her parents!! And her cousin. Like how horrible were they? Sheesh. My frustration with Avery's character was that she wasn't a fighter about her situation. If she had said a big eff you to everyone after what happened, that would have made me like her better. Even going away for college, that would have been a perfect jumping off point for her to reclaim herself. But she was too battered to use that chance to start over until too late in the story. And hello! Colleges have student services to help with stuff like what she went through.

I want my own Cam too. He really was the perfect guy.

Rowena: I hear you about the whole Avery thing. It did get annoying some times and I did wish that she fought a little more for herself and everything so I get you. I hated her parents too. Even her Dad. We see her Dad come around in the end but for me, that was too little, too late. She went through the wringer for a long time and he just sat by, letting it all happen. Letting her go through all of that alone. He was the adult in that situation and he didn’t speak up for her when she needed him to? We’re supposed to forgive all of that because he came outside and gave her that fake, too late apology (did he even apologize? I can’t remember)...ugh.

I think she was ignorant about everything. She lived through it all by herself and she was scared because of the NDA she signed. She probably thought she was going to get into serious trouble if she said anything to anyone so she dealt with it all by herself. I mean, if you think about it...she refused to fill Cam in on anything until she just about lost him.

But damn, that Cam. Loved him. There wasn’t any part of him that I didn’t like. Well, when he finally lets Avery have it for shutting him out at every turn, my first thought was FINALLY! I thought it took him far too long to get to that point. I was already hoping for that explosion for 100 pages before it finally happened. Alright, I gotta know…who’s book are you looking forward to more, Jase and Teresa or Brit’s?

Ames: You know what I liked about Cam? His pet turtle. LOL And how much he cared about his younger sister. *swoon*

I get what Avery was going through, and she was only 14 when everything went down and so that's 4 years of being in that mind-set, I just wanted to see a bit more fight from her. I do realize because all the people in her life who should have cared about her turned their backs on her almost made it hard for her to open up again. It just bugged me. I just recently read a book too where the heroine had something similar happen to her when she was 16 and she used that opportunity to turn her whole life around. That's something I wanted from Avery. Ah well. Wait for You was well written though. As much as Avery annoyed me, I kept reading because I did want to see her open her eyes and see who was standing in front of her. And I wanted to read more of Cam.

I want to see more from Jase and Brit. I liked Avery and Cam's friends.

Rowena: I loved the way Cam was with his family and the way he was with his friends. And I loved his turtle too. And that he got Avery one too. You know, Cam was almost too perfect and sometimes for me, that could be a problem but I thought J. Lynn did a fabulous job of making us fall in love with Cam without making him too good to go be true (even though he probably is but I don’t care, I love him!). He was an interesting character and a swoonworthy love interest. One of my favorites, scratch that, my favorite love interest of the summer so far.

I was kind of hoping that Jase’s story would be with Brit but I’m curious to find out what happens between him and Cam’s sister, Teresa. Should be an interesting story. Will you be interested in continuing this series?

Who do you think Brit is going to end up with? Someone new or...Ollie?

Ames: I think Ollie is too goofy to be paired up with Brit. But I think Jase and Teresa could be interesting.

All right, because Avery was such a downer, I have to give Wait For You a C. It was just ok overall for me. What about you?

Rowena: I want to see Ollie grow up and I think him being paired with Brit would be good…for him. =) I’m looking forward to reading Jase and Teresa’s story. Like I’m anxious to read it. I really adored this story and came to like Avery and for that, I’m giving this an A.

For July, Rowena and I will be reading the Hot Summer Nights anthology.

New Releases - July 2013

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 :)