New Releases - November 2013

Compared to October, November doesn't have as many releases, but the quality this month is definitely not something to complain about.  :P

November 5

Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis
published by Berkley

He’ll help unleash the new woman in her…

Special Ops soldier Griffin Reid doesn’t exactly have happy memories of growing up in Sunshine, Idaho. He’s only come back to recover from a war injury, and while he refuses to admit he’s in a weakened state, he finds comfort in the last person he’d expect.

Kate Evans teaches fourth grade science in Sunshine, the place she’s always called home. Dreaming of graduate school and a happily-ever-after, she’s desperate to break out of the monotony of Sunshine. Luckily, a certain sexy man has just come back into her life.

To Griffin, Kate as always been his little sister’s friend, but now he’s finding her to be so much more. As both attempt to forge their paths, they must decide if their passionate connection can turn into something lasting…

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Animal Magnetism, Book #5

Nath: This series has not been my favorite by Ms Shalvis, but I heard good comments about Rumor Has It, so I'll be giving it a go :) Plus, I'm really in a contemporary romance mood this year and I can't get enough LOL.

Ames:  Jill is an auto-buy author for me.  And never mind the fact that this series has animals.  Love!

Monroe: I ditto Ames! I love this author and series!!!


Striking Distance by Pamela Clare
published by Berkley

Her past is a secret—even to her.
Discovering it will be the most dangerous move of her life.

TV reporter Laura Nilsson, known as the "Baghdad Babe," spent eighteen months in an Al Qaeda compound after being kidnapped live on the air. Two years later, she's still wondering why.

No rescue mission in Javier Corbray's fourteen years as a Navy SEAL affected him the way Laura's rescue did. No woman has stirred his protective instincts the way she has. And he wants her more than he's ever wanted anyone.

As Laura and Javier's passion ignites, so does Laura's need to discover the mystery of her past. Especially when she learns that her abduction was not random—and that she's still a target for a killer with an impenetrable motive. Now Javier will have to rely on his skills to keep the woman he loves from being struck down before she dares uncover the truth.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: I-Team, Book #6

Nath: Hmmmm. Many love this series, but for some reasons, I just don't connect with it. Actually, I know why: I've never been a fan of reporters... and even though her reporters are different, my mind is still prejudiced ^_^; I might be picking this one up, although I'm a bit wary of Laura's kidnapping and the aftermath. Guess it's going to depend on reviews...

Ames:  Pamela Clare is an auto-buy author for me.  'Nuff said.

Wild Darkness by Lauren Dane
published by Berkley

The bombing that almost killed Owen witch Molly Ryan has worsened the tensions between the humans and the Others. While the Others desperately campaign to prevent the passage of a law that would strip their people of all rights, the human separatists develop an agenda far worse than anyone imagined. With her position more precarious than ever, security head Helena Jaansen finds herself relying more and more heavily on her personal guard, Faine Leviathan, and, despite her better instincts, falling more deeply into the intimate connection that they share.

As Helena and Faine’s explosive passion grows, a deadly separatist plot is discovered, one which could bring ultimate destruction for the Others, and war breaks out between the two opposing factions. With the Others forced into hiding, Helena must overcome her fear of repeating past failures to save her people—and her heart—before it’s too late…

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Bound by Magick, Book #4

Nath: I enjoyed the first two books of this series, but starting from the third, it took a turn where humans and Others are fighting for their rights... and I just hate that kind of fighting because it's just so scary! Ugh. Again, going to wait for reviews, but it's on my radar.

Ames:  It's Lauren Dane!  You know you're going to like it.  LOL


Kinked by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #6

Nath: LOL, I like what we've seen of Aryal and I'm curious to see what's her beef against Quentin. So looking forward to this book :)

Ames:  I like harpies.  LOL 

Monroe: Ames...you have harpies!?!?! Lol ;) love this author but I'm so far behind in this series.

A Potion to Die For by Heather Blake
published by New American Library (Signet)

Trouble is brewing

As the owner of Little Shop of Potions, a magic potion shop specializing in love potions, Carly Bell Hartwell finds her product more in demand than ever. A local soothsayer has predicted that a couple in town will soon divorce—and now it seems every married person in Hitching Post, Alabama, wants a little extra matrimonial magic to make sure they stay hitched.

But when Carly finds a dead man in her shop, clutching one of her potion bottles, she goes from most popular potion person to public enemy number one. In no time the murder investigation becomes a witch hunt—literally! Now Carly is going to need to brew up some serious sleuthing skills to clear her name and find the real killer—before the whole town becomes convinced her potions really are to die for!

Genre: Cosy Mystery
Series: Magic Potion Mystery, Book #1

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Blake's writing and am happy to see her start a new series. Going to check it out, especially since it features witches again :)


Through the Evil Days by Julia Spencer-Fleming
published by Macmillan (Minotaur Books)

On a frigid January night, Chief of Police Russ Van Alstyne and Reverend Clare Fergusson are called to the scene of a raging fire, that quickly becomes a double homicide and kidnapping. Which is the very last thing Russ needs...Currently he's struggling with the prospect of impending fatherhood. And his new wife is not at all happy with his proposal for their long-delayed honeymoon: a week in an unelectrified ice-fishing cabin. The vestry of St. Alban's Church has called for the bishop to investigate Clare's "unpriestly" pregnancy. She has one week to find out if she will be scolded, censured, or suspended from her duties. Officer Hadley Knox is having a miserable January as well. Her on-again-off-again lover, Kevin Flynn, has seven days to weigh an offer from the Syracuse Police Department that might take him half a state away.

As the days and hours tick by, Russ and Clare fight personal and professional battles they've never encountered. In the course of this one tumultuous week the lives of the Millers-Kill residents readers have come to love and cherish change forever. Readers have waited years for Through The Evil Days and Julia Spencer-Fleming delivers with the exquisite skill and craftsmanship that have made her such a success.

Genre: Mystery
Series: Rev. Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mystery, Book #8

Ames:  Some of you may be shocked to know, I'm only two books behind in this series.  I love it so much.  I'm savouring it.  But I still look forward to each new book.  :P

Jagged by Kristen Ashley
published by Grand Central Publishing

An old flame rekindled . . .

Zara Cinders always knew Ham Reece was the one, but he wasn't interested in settling down. When she found someone who was, Ham walked out of her life. Three years later, Zara's lost her business, her marriage, and she's barely getting by in a tiny apartment on the wrong side of the tracks. As soon as Ham hears about Zara's plight, he's on her doorstep offering her a lifeline. Now, it will take every ounce of will power she possesses to resist all that he offers.

Ham was always a traveling man, never one to settle down in one town, with one woman, for more time than absolutely necessary. But Ham's faced his own demons, and he's learned a lot. About himself, and about the life he knows he's meant to live. So when he hears that Zara's having a rough time, he wants to be the one to help. In fact, he wants to do more than that for Zara. A lot more. But first, he must prove to Zara that he's a changed man.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Colorado Mountain, Book #5

Ames:  My addiction is getting fed.  YAY.

Foreplay by Sophie Jordan
published by Harpercollins Publisher (William Morrow)

Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs.

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Series: The Ivy Chronicles, Book #1

Ames:  Ok, Wena read this and enjoyed it so that definitely made me pay attention.  But reading the blurb, this one sounds really good! 

Monroe: I've only read her YA books...sounds good though!


November 7

Watch Your Back by Karen Rose
published by Headline

A cold case reopened. A murderer re-emerging more deadly than ever before…

Baltimore Homicide Detective Stevie Mazzetti has suffered losses no woman should have to endure. And, despite it all, she’s still a fighter. When she learns that her ex-partner might have miscarried justice, she’s determined to put the past to rights, even when she becomes a target.

It’s former Marine Clay Maynard’s job to see the risk in every situation, but he doesn’t have to look hard to find the danger surrounding Stevie. Since the minute he first saw her, Clay has wanted to protect the wounded officer, and he started loving her not long after that. So when Stevie attracts the attention of a vicious psychopath, Clay will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. That is, if he can stay ahead of a killer with everything to lose—and something terrifying to hide...

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Baltimore, Book #4

Nath: This is the UK release of Watch Your Back. In case you want to know, the North American release date is February 4... No way I can wait till then to get my hands on this book, which is why I've already pre-ordered the UK version :) Just can't wait for this book. It's finally Stevie and Clay's story! Wooohooo! I know I'm not the only one feeling this way :)

Ames:  Karen Rose is an auto-buy author for me.  So even though I'm not caught up on this series, I'll be buying it.  :P


November 12

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

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day comes the gripping romantic conclusion to the miniseries that launched Cosmo Red Hot Reads from Harlequin. It started with Afterburn and ends with an Aftershock.

Genre: Erotica romance
Series: Afterburn & Aftershock, Book #2

Ames:  It's Sylvia Day.  She's definitely an auto-buy author for me.  :P

Monroe: ditto Ames! :)

Have You Any Rogues? by Elizabeth Boyle
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon Impulse)

The Seldons and Dales have been mortal enemies for centuries, but that hasn't stopped the roguish Crispin, Viscount Dale and the impetuous Lady Henrietta Seldon from waging their own battle … of the heart. Every stray glance, every chance encounter threatens to reveal the secret passion that keeps drawing them together.

But finally after years of flirting with disaster, Crispin and Henrietta find themselves locked in a wine cellar, and now there is no denying the love and loyalties that have lured them and torn them apart time and time again. Will this one last chance, this tempting night of desire be the one that ignites a fire that will never be extinguished, no matter the price?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Rhymes with Love, Book #2.5

Nath: I still haven't read the second book And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake, but did like the first one, Along Came the Duke. Also, I'm definitively getting the third book, If Wishes Were Earls, because the blurb sounds so cute. So I'll probably be getting this one... but ugh, that cover is bad! Lucky this is an e-book.

Ames:  I agree about that cover.  It's kind of blech.  But it sounds cute!


November 15

Return to Sender by Julie Cross
self-published

If only summer could last forever…

Karen and Jordan might be out in the open with their relationship, but that doesn't make it any easier for them to face events looming in the future. Like Jordan leaving for college halfway across the country. Or Karen's win at a big international gymnastics competition setting the bar high for her future and adding pressure like she's never experienced before.

But when Nina Jones (aka-US Gymnastics Dictator), makes plans for Karen and teammate Stevie to train at a gymnastics camp for a month—the same camp where Jordan coaches—romantic summer interludes replace their fears of being apart. Both Jordan and Karen know that when fall comes, some very tough decisions will have to be made, but for now, it’s stolen kisses, racing hearts, and whispered words.

Genre: Young Adult/New Adult, Contemporary
Series: Letters to Nowhere, Book #2

Nath: Can't wait to read this book!! I loved the first installment, Letters to Nowhere, and just can't wait to read more of Karen and Jordan!

Ames:  I know!!  I'm really looking forward to this one.


November 19

Too Much of a Good Thing? by Joss Wood
published by Harlequin (Harlequin KISS)

Be careful what you wish for!

It's time for Lu Sheppard to get back in the game-fact. After ten years of playing mom to her younger brothers the boys have left home and she's determined to make up for lost time! Item number one on her list? A man to have some fun with!

Rugby coach Will Scott is just what Lu needs to ease herself back into the dating game. Only in town temporarily, king of the fling...he's perfect. But his kisses are so electric that remembering they have an expiry date is getting harder. Suddenly Lu starts wondering....maybe it is possible to have too much of a good thing!

Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: None

Nath: Ms Wood is a new author on my auto-buy list for category romance :) I like her writing style and love that her stories take place in South Africa. Looking forward to Too Much of a Good Thing?, it sounds cute :)


Beware of the Boss by Leah Ashton
published by Harlequin (Harlequin KISS)

The man behind the pinstripes!

Lanie Smith's boss might look heavenly in a suit, but she's being run ragged by Grayson Manning's outrageous demands! Dog-sitting, clothes shopping…there's nothing he won't ask her to do! (Luckily, she's spent enough time checking out Gray's broad shoulders that guessing his shirt size isn't a problem…

The final straw? Being ordered to drop everything for a business trip to Vietnam. But one completely unexpected (and completely magical) kiss later, Lanie's forced to admit the truth—that their supercharged battle of wills hides a much more dangerous attraction…

Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: None

Nath: The cover of Beware of the Boss caught my eyes LOL. What can I say? Everyone enjoys a boss/employee romance from time to time and I'm hoping this one will be a good one :) Plus, they're going to Vietnam!

Holiday Games by Jaci Burton
published by Penguin (InterMix)

A Riley wedding is in the works, a Riley Christmas means a house full of family, and baby making is on Liz Riley's mind. Chasing Gavin around and meeting in dark closets can be fun, but Liz is more than a little determined. Even with family in every corner of the house, Gavin is more than ready to do whatever Liz wants—especially when sex is involved. It's a Riley family Christmas.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Play by Play, Book #6.5

Nath: Not my favorite couple in the Play by Play series, but always nice to re-visit some characters :)

Ames: I love those covers.  LOL 

Monroe: I dream of her covers! Ha!


November 25

Dragos Takes a Holiday by Thea Harrison
published by Penguin (InterMix)(?)

The Bermuda Triangle. Pirates. The Peanut. What could possibly go wrong?

Dragos Cuelebre needs a vacation. So does Pia, his mate. When the First Family of the Wyr head to Bermuda for some much needed R&R, it's no ordinary undertaking - and no ordinary weekend in the sun. Between hunting for ancient treasure buried beneath the waves and keeping track of their son, Liam—a.k.a. Peanut, whose Wyr abilities are manifesting far ahead of schedule—it’s a miracle that Pia and Dragos can get any time together.

They're determined to make the most of each moment, no matter who tries to get in their way.

And did we mention pirates?

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #6.5

Nath: Okay, I don't usually pick up the novella in The Elder Races series, but I have to say, this one sounds really good :)

Ames:  Doesn't it?  LOL  I love Pia and Dragos.

Monroe: love Pia...so behind though lol

Nath: LOL, I want to see everyone interact with Peanut :P


November 26

Hostage by Kay Hooper
published by Berkley

Haven operative Luther Brinkman has been sent into the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee to locate escaped felon Cole Jacoby, a mentally unstable bank robber. Supposedly, Jacoby hid more than ten million dollars from his last heist before he was captured—and rather mysteriously escaped federal custody. And once Brinkman finds Jacoby, the agent is left severely wounded, with no way to convey his location to Haven.

Callie Davis, an agent with the FBI’s Special Crimes Unit, has been in the area for some time, due to the foresight of her boss and unit chief, Noah Bishop. But when she finds the wounded Brinkman, her rescue mission turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

What neither Luther nor Callie know is that their quarry is far more than an escaped bank robber. And that in hunting him, they will find themselves being hunted by him, and will discover him to be the worst monster either of them has ever known.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Series: Haven, Book #2/FBI SCU, Book #14

Nath: Woooohoooo, finally a new book by Ms Hooper! I'm so looking forward to Hostage! Love this series and so happy Ms Hooper is finally writing more. I'm glad we get a FBI agent in this one and not just a Haven operative :) Now, when is the next Bishop Files book coming out?


The Chocolate Heart by Laura Florand
published by Kensington

No one hates Paris--except Summer Corey. The moody winters. The artists and their ennui. The inescapable shadow of the Tour Eiffel. But things go from bad to worse when Summer stumbles into brooding, gorgeous chef pâtissier Luc Leroi and indecently propositions the hero of French cuisine...

Luc has scrambled up from a childhood panhandling in the Paris Métro to become the king of his city, and he has no patience for this spoiled princess, even if she does now own his restaurant. Who cares if she smiles with all the warmth of July? She doesn't eat dessert!

There is only one way to tempt her. A perfect, impossibly sweet seduction...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Amour et Chocolat, Book #5

Nath: It's Laura Florand and I love her writing, need I say more? :P

Ames:  No you don't need to Nath.  I understand.  :P  I do like the Paris setting of her books, she has a true talent for capturing the city in her writing.

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)

A rogue ruined...

He is the Killer Duke, accused of murdering Mara Lowe on the eve of her wedding. With no memory of that fateful night, Temple has reigned over the darkest of London’s corners for twelve years, wealthy and powerful, but beyond redemption. Until one night, Mara resurfaces, offering the one thing he’s dreamed of... absolution.

A lady returned...

Mara planned never to return to the world from which she’d run, but when her brother falls deep into debt at Temple’s exclusive casino, she has no choice but to offer Temple a trade that ends in her returning to society and proving to the world what only she knows... that he is no killer.

A scandal revealed...

It’s a fine trade, until Temple realizes that the lady—and her past—are more than they seem. It will take every bit of his strength to resist the pull of this mysterious, maddening woman who seems willing to risk everything for honor... and to keep from putting himself on the line for love.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels, Book #3

Ames:  This one sounds dark and definitely intriguing!  I kind of like plots when someone seemingly comes back from the dead.


Wild Justice by Kelley Armstrong
published by Sphere

Protect the innocent. If there is any one principle that drives hit man Nadia Stafford, it’s this. In her own mind, when she was thirteen, she failed to protect her older cousin Amy from being murdered. Now she fails again, disastrously, when she botches a hit. To help her find her equilibrium, her mentor, Jack, brings her a gift: the location and new identity of the predator who killed her cousin and disappeared after the case against him failed.

Vengeance, justice? With the predator in her sights, nothing seems more right, more straightforward, more easy. But finding justice is never as simple as it seems.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Series: Nadia Stafford, Book #3

Nath: Again, this is not my favorite series by Ms Armstrong, but she's one of my favorite authors, so Wild Justice is on my radar. I'll get it, but don't know when I'll be reading it :P

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What are the books you're looking forward to? Anything to add to this list? :)