New Releases - August 2013

A new month, another New Releases post! :) It's hard to believe we're already in August! Where did my summer go? Where did my year go? But more importantly, where did all the books go?! There are some good books this month, but not enough :( I don't know how long they will last me... So if we missed any good releases, please, let us know!!


August 1

Her Favorite Temptation by Sarah Mayberry
published by Harlequin (Harlequin SuperRomance)

Leah Mathews has always been the good sister, the favored one who could do no wrong. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she's ready to step out of her parents' shadow and make changes in her life. Shes even more inspired by the sexy musician who moves in next door and his seize-the-day attitude. And tempted to take comfort in his arms...

Will Jones is facing the prospect of losing the career he loves--and possibly his life--to a sudden illness. When he meets Leah, he feels a powerful connection to her, and flirting with a smart, beautiful woman seems like the perfect way to spend the weeks before his risky operation.

But as their relationship heats up, Leah still doesn't know the truth about Will's situation. Will their bond be strong enough to face the challenges yet to come?

Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: Duology with Her Favorite Rival

Nath: Ms Mayberry is on my auto-buy list of authors :) I knew about Her Favorite Rival and actually got an eARC at Netgalley. However, I wasn't aware of Her Favorite Temptation... It seems this book takes place in parallel of Her Favorite Rival and I think it will tie the loose ends that I had.

Ames:  Sarah Mayberry is the top of my autobuy list.  Fo sho.
p.s.  This book is free at Amazon.


August 6

Guardian Demon by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley

After a terrifying encounter in Hell destroys her trust in Michael, the Guardian’s powerful leader, former detective Andromeda Taylor is ready to call it quits as one of the angelic warriors and resume her human life again. But when demonic forces threaten her closest friends and she uncovers a terrifying plot devised by Lucifer, Taylor is thrown straight into Michael’s path again…

To defeat Lucifer, Michael needs every Guardian by his side—and he needs Taylor more than any other. The detective is the key to keeping his own demonic side at bay, and Michael will do anything to protect her and keep her close. And when Taylor manifests a deadly power, her Gift might tip the scales in the endless war between Heaven and Hell…or it might destroy them both with a single touch.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Guardians, Book #8

Nath: One of my favorite series is coming to an end! NOOOOO! I have a feeling Guardian Demon is going to be bittersweet for me... While I'm excited for the book, I have to say the pairing doesn't do much for me. Probably because I missed their beginning by not reading Demon Forged ^_^; However, it's not going to stop me. I'm curious to see how Ms Brook is going to end it all :) And I hope there is a lot of Hugh and Lilith :)

Ames:  OMG I only ever read the first two books in the series so I feel a re-read coming on so I can catch up!  I have been buying each book as it has been released, so I'll be getting this one.

The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
published by Berkley

Rome, 1492. The Holy City is drenched with blood and teeming with secrets. A pope lies dying and the throne of God is left vacant, a prize awarded only to the most virtuous--or the most ruthless. The Borgia family begins its legendary rise, chronicled by an innocent girl who finds herself drawn into their dangerous web...

Vivacious Giulia Farnese has floor-length golden hair and the world at her feet: beauty, wealth, and a handsome young husband. But she is stunned to discover that her glittering marriage is a sham, and she is to be given as a concubine to the ruthless, charismatic Cardinal Borgia: Spaniard, sensualist, candidate for Pope--and passionately in love with her.

Two trusted companions will follow her into the Pope's shadowy harem: Leonello, a cynical bodyguard bent on bloody revenge against a mysterious killer, and Carmelina, a fiery cook with a past full of secrets. But as corruption thickens in the Vatican and the enemies begin to circle, Giulia and her friends will need all their wits to survive in the world of the Borgias

Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Borgias, Book #1

Ames:  I like this author and I always keep an eye out for interesting sounding historicals.  I enjoyed the first season of the Borgias, so it'll be neat to go back to that world.  (I didn't watch season 2 or 3 because of time constraints - thank goodness for netflix and a 4 week vacation coming up!)


Just in Time by Addison Fox
published by New American Library (Signet)

Sometimes your past is the only link to your future.

After a rejuvenating trip to Ireland, Avery Marks can’t help her frustration with the pace of her life in Alaska. Back in the small town of Indigo—where everyone knows everyone else’s business—Avery dreams of a bigger life. But with her ex-boyfriend back in town, it’s hard to get the past out of her head.

Drafted by the NHL right out of high school, Roman Forsyth left behind the love of his life to follow his pro career. With an injury sidelining him, Roman isn’t sure how much longer he’ll be at the top of his game. He is sure that he wants Avery just as much as he ever did.

While Roman wants a chance to make things right, Avery isn’t sure she can just forgive and forget. But when their long-buried passion sizzles back to life, they need to escape the watchful eyes of the rest of the town long enough to figure out if it’s any harder to stay together than it’s been to stay apart …

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Alaskan Nights, Book #3

Nath: I read the first book in this series, Baby, It's Cold Outside, and wasn't very impressed by it, which is why I did not pick up the second book. However, I'm very interesting and curious about Avery and Roman. I thought they were the couple with the most potential... So I think I will give Just In Time a chance. However, it feels weird to pick up a book with a winter setting in the middle of summer ^_^;

Surrender to Sultry by Macy Beckett
published by Sourcebooks

Leah McMahon is back in Sultry Springs, Texas to help her dad recover from surgery. But there's a new sheriff in town and he's none other than Colton Bea, the wild-as-weeds boy who stole her heart a decade earlier. Colt's a changed man now, and the feelings between these high school sweethearts are stronger than ever. But Leah's got a secret so devastating that he may never forgive her. Can she find a way to earn absolution and build a future with the sultry man she's loved half her life?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Sultry Springs, Book #3

Nath: I'm putting this book on my radar because I'm curious about this series. I've read a lot of good reviews for the first book... And I'm always on the look out for new contemporary romance books and authors. All I need to do is get over my prejudice for the publisher, Sourcebooks... ^_^;


Here Without You by Tammara Webber
self-published

Everyone has secrets.
Some are buried so deep, their existence is forgotten.
But a secret never told can turn into a lie.
And in love, a lie is one thing:
Poison.

Reid's in love with Dori, though she hasn't told her parents that she's fallen hard for the guy they'd forbidden her to see. Now she's leaving for college, and Reid's promise not to push her to go public is wearing thin, especially when she can't - or won't - return those three important words he wants to hear.

Five years ago, Brooke and Reid were a Thing. That relationship is long gone, detonated amid allegations of cheating - but they still share a secret that would stun everyone they know and alter public perception of them both if it ever comes out. And it's about to do just that.

Genre: New Adult
Series: Between the Lines, Book #4

Ames:  I read the first book in this series last year and re-read it this past weekend.  I have the other books in the series and I'm looking forward to reading them.  This one too.  That cover is a big hint though.


Pitch Perfect by Sierra Dean
published by Samhain

Emmy Kasper knows exactly how lucky she is. In a sport with few opportunities for women at the pro level, she’s just landed her dream job as head athletic trainer for the San Francisco Felons baseball team. Screwing up is not an option.

She’s lost in thought as she pedals to the spring training facility, her mind abuzz with excitement as she rounds a corner—and plows head-on into two runners. The end of her career dances before her eyes when she realizes she’s almost run over the star pitcher.

As Tucker Lloyd watches the flustered Emmy escape with his bandana tied around her skinned knee, the view is a pleasant change from worrying about his flagging fastball. At thirty-six, the tail end of his career is glimmering on the horizon. If he can’t pull something extraordinary out of his ball cap, the new crop of rookies could make this season his last.

The last thing either of them needs is a distraction.

The last thing either of them expects is love.

Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Series:  Boys of Summer, Book #1

Ames:  The blurb for this one intrigues me.  I like that it's sports and she's in a field that's somewhat rare for women.  I like that kind of job for women.  I haven't read this author before but I'm for sure checking this one out.

Nath: You'll have to let me know if it's good Ames! :)


August 13

Rock Chick Revolution by Kristen Ashley
self-published

Ally Nightingale has secrets. Secrets she doesn't even share with the Rock Chicks. But two men know what she's up to. One has her back. The other has her heart, but he doesn't know it.
As Ally rewinds the last year of her life, she knows two things. One, she’s never going to get what every Rock Chick should have—her own Hot Bunch guy. And two, she’s a Nightingale through and through. She just isn’t sure what to do about that.

But as her secrets are revealed, the men in her life react. Darius Tucker, a lifelong friend, as usual takes her back. Ren Zano, the man she loves, isn’t quite so sure. The Rock Chicks, Hot Bunch and the entire gang at Fortnum’s weigh in, and a Rock Chick Revolution starts brewing.

It’s up to Ally to control it and prove what she knows down to her bones.

She’s a Rock Chick, she deserves her hot guy and she’s going to keep the one she wants…

Because she’s a Nightingale.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Rock Chick, Book #8

Ames:  I obsessively read the Rock Chick series in May and June and even though I had some problems with it, I really want to read Ally's story.

Monroe: I'm on the Kristen Ashley train here lately but I haven't read these books yet...guess I should!

Ames:  Yes, definitely.  They're highly addictive.  Just don't read them one after the other like I did.  LOL
Nath: LOL, you guys are scaring me... and Ames, you keep telling me to get on the wagon!


Blood of Tyrants by Naomi Novik
published by Random House Publishing (Del Rey)

Shipwrecked and cast ashore in Japan with no memory of Temeraire or his own experiences as an English aviator, Laurence finds himself tangled in deadly political intrigues that threaten not only his own life but England’s already precarious position in the Far East. Age-old enmities and suspicions have turned the entire region into a powder keg ready to erupt at the slightest spark—a spark that Laurence and Temeraire may unwittingly provide, leaving Britain faced with new enemies just when they most desperately need allies instead.

For to the west, another, wider conflagration looms. Napoleon has turned on his former ally, the emperor Alexander of Russia, and is even now leading the largest army the world has ever seen to add that country to his list of conquests. It is there, outside the gates of Moscow, that a reunited Laurence and Temeraire—along with some unexpected allies and old friends—will face their ultimate challenge...and learn whether or not there are stronger ties than memory.

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Temeraire, Book #8

Nath: I'm not up-to-date on this series which is unfortunate because I loooved His Majesty's Dragon and I feel the series had so much potential. Still, every new book in the series is on my radar :) I just can't let go... And I have to add, this cover is really awesome! :) Definitively makes me want to pick up the book!

Ames:  Wow, book 8 already?  I think I stopped halfway through book 3 many moons ago.  I loved His Majesty's Dragon as well.  I stopped buying this series too.  Amazing huh?  I usually keep buying a series even if I'm far behind in it.  LOL

August 15

Afterburn by Sylvia Day
published by Harlequin (Cosmo Red Hot Reads)

The realization that Jax still affected me so strongly was a jagged pill to swallow. He’d only been part of my life for five short weeks two years ago. But now he was back. Walking into a deal I’d worked hard to close. And God, he was magnificent. His eyes were a brown so dark they were nearly black. Thickly lashed, they were relentless in their intensity. Had I really thought they were soft and warm? There was nothing soft about Jackson Rutledge. He was a hard and jaded man, cut from a ruthless cloth.

In that moment I understood how badly I wanted to unravel the mystery of Jax. Bad enough that I didn’t mind how much it was going to cost me...

Genre: Contemporary romance, Erotica
Series: ?

Nath: Interesting that Harlequin has another new imprint! :) I hope it will be successful!

Ames:  Well it's a partnership with Cosmo magazine - I think it will be.  And to use Sylvia Day to launch it?  Smart move.  I love Sylvia's writing so I'll definitely be checking this out.

Monroe: Ditto! I love Sylvia Day so I'll check this out!


August 20

Omens by Kelley Armstrong
published by Dutton/Random House Canada

Twenty-four-year-old Olivia Taylor Jones has the perfect life. The only daughter of a wealthy, prominent Chicago family, she has an Ivy League education, pursues volunteerism and philanthropy, and is engaged to a handsome young tech firm CEO with political ambitions.

But Olivia’s world is shattered when she learns that she’s adopted. Her real parents? Todd and Pamela Larsen, notorious serial killers serving a life sentence. When the news brings a maelstrom of unwanted publicity to her adopted family and fiancé, Olivia decides to find out the truth about the Larsens.

Olivia ends up in the small town of Cainsville, Illinois, an old and cloistered community that takes a particular interest in both Olivia and her efforts to uncover her birth parents’ past.

Aided by her mother’s former lawyer, Gabriel Walsh, Olivia focuses on the Larsens’ last crime, the one her birth mother swears will prove their innocence. But as she and Gabriel start investigating the case, Olivia finds herself drawing on abilities that have remained hidden since her childhood, gifts that make her both a valuable addition to Cainsville and deeply vulnerable to unknown enemies. Because there are darker secrets behind her new home, and powers lurking in the shadows that have their own plans for her.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Cainsville, Book #1

Nath: Omens in the first book in Ms Armstrong's new series. I'm really looking forward to it and hope it'll be another winner series! The premises sound really interesting and I like that Ms Armstrong is keeping a paranormal aspect to it :)


If You Can't Stand the Heat by Joss Wood
published by Harlequin (Harlequin KISS)

Resisting temptation has never been so impossible… Living on the edge used to make wild-card war reporter Jack Chapman feel alive. These days he needs some time-out before he burns out. So what better distraction than delectable pastry chef Ellie Evans? She's oh-so-tempting…and sleeping right next door! Perfect for a short-term fling!

Ellie knows it would be beyond stupid to fall for a guy with ice in his veins who's always on the move. But daredevil Jack is even more irresistible than her death-by-chocolate cake—and saying no has never been Ellie's strongpoint!

Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: None

Nath: I've recently discovered Ms Wood with It Was Only a Kiss. Basically loved everything about it, especially the setting in South Africa. So I'm really looking forward to If You Can't Stand the Heat and hope it'll be a winner! :) While I don't exactly love the pose of the couple on the cover, it is hot... and I really like the colors and the goodies display LOL.

Monroe: hey hey heyyyyy! Lol love the cover!

The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
published by Abrams (Amulet Books)

For as long as she can remember, Wren Gray’s goal has been to please her parents. But as high school graduation nears, so does an uncomfortable realization: Pleasing her parents once overlapped with pleasing herself, but now... not so much. Wren needs to honor her own desires, but how can she if she doesn’t even know what they are?

Charlie Parker, on the other hand, is painfully aware of his heart’s desire. A gentle boy with a troubled past, Charlie has loved Wren since the day he first saw her. But a girl like Wren would never fall for a guy like Charlie—at least not the sort of guy Charlie believes himself to be.

And yet certain things are written in the stars. And in the summer after high school, Wren and Charlie’s souls will collide. But souls are complicated, as are the bodies that house them...

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: None

Ames:  First, I like that cover.  Second, it sounds interesting.  That's all I need.  LOL


August 27

Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep
published by Simon & Schuster (Pocket Books)

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out…

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin, Book #9

Nath: I just finished reading Widow's Web and Deadly Sting, books #7 and #8 respectively, in preparation of Heart of Venom. I guess it tells you how much I'm looking forward to Heart of Venom right? :) I think this one will be quite interesting :)


The Arrangement by Mary Balogh
published by Random House Publishing (Dell)

Desperate to escape his mother’s matchmaking, Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, flees to a remote country village. But even there, another marital trap is sprung. So when Miss Sophia Fry’s intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardian’s home, Vincent is compelled to act. He may have been blinded in battle, but he can see a solution to both their problems: marriage.

At first, quiet, unassuming Sophia rejects Vincent’s proposal. But when such a gloriously handsome man persuades her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution, she agrees. Her alternative is too dreadful to contemplate. But how can an all-consuming fire burn from such a cold arrangement? As friendship and camaraderie lead to sweet seduction and erotic pleasure, dare they believe a bargain born of desperation might lead them both to a love destined to be?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Survivors' Club, Book #2

Ames:  The Proposal wasn't a solid winner with me, but even still, I'm looking forward to reading more of the Survivors' Club's stories.

Nath: Ditto what Ames said. One of the reasons I'm looking forward to The Arrangement is that the hero is blind. I have a weakness for flawed characters and I think this will be quite the interesting story :) Can I say though, this cover is really bad ^_^;

Ames:  I don't think flawed is the right word you're looking for here.

Nath: Okay, not flawed, but not perfect... Physical handicap... You know what I mean!


The Hero by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (Mira)

In a moment of desperation, Devon McAllister takes her daughter and flees a place where they should have been safe and secure. She has no idea what is around the next bend, but she is pretty certain it can't be worse than what they've left behind. Her plan is to escape to somewhere she can be invisible. Instead, an unexpected offer of assistance leads her to Thunder Point, a tiny Oregon town with a willingness to help someone in need.

As the widowed father of a vulnerable young boy, Spencer Lawson knows something about needing friendship. But he's not looking for anything else. Instead, he's thrown his energy into his new role as Thunder Point's high school football coach. Tough and demanding to his team, off the field he's gentle and kind...just the kind of man who could heal Devon's wounded heart.

Devon thought she wanted to hide from the world. But in Thunder Point, you find bravery where you least expect it...and sometimes, you find a hero.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Thunder Point, Book #3

Ames:  I've really enjoyed the first two books in this series, so of course I'm looking forward to more!

Nath: After reading The Newcomer, I was so curious about The Hero that I requested it from Netgalley. As a result, I already read The Hero. Once again, I think that says it all right? :P


Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
published by Knopf Books for Young Readers

New York Times bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.

While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

This follow-up to the bestselling Every Day showcases David's trademark sharp-witted, warm-hearted tales of teenage love, and serves as a perfect thematic bookend to David's YA debut and breakthrough, Boy Meets Boy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2013.

Genre: Young Adult, M/M
Series: Connected to Every Day

Ames:  I really enjoy David's writing so even though I'm not entirely sold on the concept of the book, I'm looking forward to this one.  :P


Just Like Fate by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young
published by Simon & Schuster (Simon Pulse)

Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.

The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.

Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.

Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending...

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi
Series: None

Nath: I'm a fan of Ms Patrick, so that's how this book ended up on my radar. The concept of Just Like Fate seems to be very popular at the moment, very similar to Pivot Point by Kasie West, and I'm curious to see how Ms Patrick pulls it off. It's even more interesting as it seems each other will take one alternative... Hope this book will be a winner :P