And here we are, October... Yes, I'm going to sound like a broken record, but seriously, how did that happen? Soon, it's going to be the holidays! And you know I'm right. You can be in denial, but hey, the holidays books are starting this month! LOL.
As usual, October is a great month for book releases. Sooo many of them! Take a look at what we're thinking of picking up and let us know your choices :)
October 1
Your Bed or Mine? by
Joss Wood
published by Mills & Boon
Breaking her man-ban!
Tori Phillips has spent years looking for The One. Unfortunately she’s never been able to find the right one – and when she catches her latest Mr Wrong in flagrante with another woman she imposes a man-ban. But Tori suddenly finds herself regretting her promise when a slight misjudgement finds her in the wrong bed with her new roommate, irresistibly sexy Matt.
Matt knows from experience how much trouble love can cause, so he’s steering clear of forever. But one night with sex-bomb Tori can’t hurt. After all, it’s only a fling – the hardest decision they have to make is her bed or his. Right… ?
Genre: Category Romance, Contemporary
Series: n/a
Nath: Ms Wood is an auto-buy for me as I really enjoy her category romance books. As such, picking this one up is a no-brainer :)
October 7
Otherworld Nights by
Kelley Armstrong
published by Random House Publishing
It's been more than ten years since Kelley Armstrong began the Otherworld series and drew legions of fans to a realm roamed by witches, werewolves, necromancers, vampires, and half-demons. Many of the novels have become bestselling favorites, but not all of the Otherworld adventures have been easy to find. At last, "Otherworld Nights "shares short stories that have previously been available only online or in obscure collections. Fans have long been clamoring for this anthology and they won't be disappointed--they'll find plenty of surprises are in store.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Otherworld Stories, Book #3
Nath: I love, love, love this series. Definitively one of my favorite UF series ever and I'll take any crumbs Ms Armstrong is going to give us :) I also really like these compilations because they complete series. You get a sense of accomplishment because now, you really have all of it. My only question is whether to get the Canadian or American edition ^_^; Because really, this cover... not my favorite :(
Reckoning by
S.J. Harper
published by New American Library (ROC)
Join Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.
She’s sacrificed. He’s suffered. They’ve both been betrayed.
Now it’s time for a reckoning.
Special Agent Emma Monroe has a secret. She’s a Fallen Siren, cursed by the gods and banished to Earth for her failure to prevent the kidnapping of Persephone. As an FBI agent she saves the lives of others believing redemption could be one rescue away.
Her partner Zack is a werewolf and former Black Ops sniper who once carried out a string of questionable assignments. Now he’s determined to atone for his past. Ironically, there’s a portion of his past Zack doesn’t remember—an affair with Emma. Giving into their attraction for one another almost led to their undoing. Now it’s back to business as usual.
While trying to unravel the mystery behind a series of kidnappings in Southern California, Emma and Zack become entangled with political tensions in the vampire and Were worlds. Not to mention the struggles they face in their relationship with one another. With so much uncertainty, they come to realize the only thing they can really count on is one another…or can they?
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Fallen Siren. Book #2
Nath: At first glance, this series really appeals to me. I like the cover, the premises, the characters and everything... Just need to read the first book that is in my TBR pile ^_^; In any case, Reckoning is definitively on my radar. Maybe it's the push I need to start the series :)
One Potion in the Grave by
Heather Blake
published by New American Library (Signet)
Carly Bell Hartwell’s love potions are always in demand in Hitching Post, Alabama, the wedding capital of the South.…
When Katie Sue Perrywinkle walks into the Little Shop of Potions, Carly is surprised and delighted to see her old childhood friend. Katie Sue fled her hometown and a troubled family over a decade ago. But she’s not back for a social visit. She’s come to settle a score with Senator Warren Calhoun, who is in town for his son’s high-profile wedding.
But before Katie Sue has a chance to voice any objections, she’s forced to forever hold her peace. After finding her friend dead, Carly vows to find her murderer. Were the corrupt Calhouns willing to go to any lengths to avoid a scandal? Did Katie Sue’s family take the term “bad blood” to a whole new level? And why did the bride-to-be come to Carly for a love potion? As Carly gets closer to the truth, a killer is planning a very chilly reception.…
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Series: A Magic Potion Mystery, Book #2
Nath: Another series on my radar that I haven't started yet. You know, so many books, too little time ^_^; At least, One Potion in the Grave has the advantage that I know and like the author's writing. Definitively going to pick this one up, just a matter of time.
Echoes of Scotland Street by
Samantha Young
published by New American Library
Shannon MacLeod has always gone for the wrong type of man. After she drifted from one toxic relationship to the next, her last boyfriend gave her a wakeup call in the worst possible way. With her world shattered, she’s sworn off men—especially those of the bad-boy variety.
Cole Walker is exactly the sort that Shannon wants to avoid—gorgeous, tattooed, charming, and cocky. But his rough exterior hides a good man who’s ready to find “the one.” He’s determined to pull Shannon from her self-imposed solitude and win her heart.
As Shannon opens up in the face of Cole’s steady devotion, the passion between them ignites to blazing levels. But when Shannon’s past comes back to haunt her, her fears may destroy the trust Cole has built between them—and tear them apart for good…
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: On Dublin Street, Book #5
Ames: I recently re-read book 2 so I have some catching up to do. LOL But I love Samantha Young's writing (except for that one book, blech) and can't wait to read this one.
Promise Me This by
Christina Lee
published by Penguin (InterMix)
A new love will test the boundaries of passion between a privileged boy next door and the tattooed, blue-haired girl who helps him embrace his wild side...
Nate has developed quite a playboy reputation around campus. It's not that he doesn't respect or trust women; he doesn't trust himself. The men in Nate’s family are prone to abusive behavior—a dirty secret that Nate’s been running from his entire life—so Nate doesn't do relationships. But he can’t help himself around one girl…
Jessie is strong, independent, and works at a tattoo parlor. Nate can’t resist getting close to her, even if it’s strictly a friendship. But it doesn't take long for Nate to admit that what he wants with Jessie is more than just friendly.
With Jessie, he can be himself and explore what he’s always felt was a terrifying darkness inside him. Even when Nate begins to crave her in a way that both shocks and horrifies him, Jessie still wants to know every part of him. Testing their boundaries together will take a trust that could render them inseparable… or tear them apart.
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Series: Between Breaths, Book #4
Nath: Seems like I'm in a NA mood. This one sounds very interesting!
Ames: I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it. I know Holly and Wena really enjoyed the other two books as well so I'm wanting to read the whole series too.
Reaper's Stand by
Joanna Wylde
published by Berkley
As Reapers Motorcycle Club president, Reese “Picnic” Hayes has given his entire life to the club. After losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him. These days, Reese keeps his relationships free and easy—he definitely doesn’t want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady like London Armstrong.
Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.
Besides running her own business, London’s got her junkie cousin’s daughter to look after—a more reckless than average eighteen-year-old. Sure she’s attracted to the Reapers’ president, but she’s not stupid. Reese Hayes is a criminal and a thug. But when her young cousin gets caught up with a ruthless drug cartel, Reese might be the only man who can help her. Now London has to make the hardest decision of her life—how far will she go to save her family?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Reapers MC, Book #4
Ames: I am thoroughly enjoying this series and feel like each book just gets better and better. Picnic has been a character that we haven't learned too much about. All we know is he did lose his wife, so he doesn't do relationships anymore. And you have to be some kind of hardcore badass to be the president of an MC...I'm assuming. haha
Carolina Blues by
Virginia Kantra
published by Berkley
Jack Rossi is Dare Island’s new police chief. The laid-back North Carolina community is just what he needs to recover from a rocky marriage and a big-city police department. He’s learned his lesson: no more high-profile women or high-pressure jobs. The last thing he wants is an unconventional alt girl rocking his world.
Grad student Lauren Patterson made headlines when she kept a bank robbery from going bad. She’s fled to Dare Island to clear her head and focus on writing her story. However, sexy Jack Rossi is a distraction that’s too hot to ignore, and it’s igniting an affair too combustible to resist—or quit.
But when their pasts come looking for them, Jack and Lauren find themselves fighting for the future they deserve, whatever the price.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Dare Island, Book #4
Nath: I recently read Carolina Man and liked Jack Rossi's character. This one could be interesting, especially since you're moving away from the main family.
Only by
HelenKay Dimon
published by Berkley
Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.
Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.
As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Holton Woods, Book #2
Ames: I recently read Mercy and really enjoyed it. Sebastian was an interesting character and I would like to see how he goes about wooing Kyra when her big brother is such a bad-ass and waaaay overprotective.
A Place Called Harmony by
Jodi Thomas
published by Berkley
Desperate to escape his overbearing father, Patrick McAllen disappears with his bride, heading north to build a new town—discovering strength, honor and true love along the way.
After drinking away the grief from his family’s death, Clint Truman avoids jail by taking a job in North Texas and settling down with a woman he vows to protect but never love—until her quiet compassion slowly breaks his hardened heart wide open…
All Gillian Matheson has ever known is Army life, leaving his true love to be a part-time spouse. But when a wounded Gillian returns home to find her desperately fighting to save their marriage, he’s determined to become the husband she deserves.
Amidst storms, outlaws, and unwelcome relatives, the three couples band together to build a town—and form a bond that breathes life into the place that will forever be called Harmony.
Genre: Historical Romance, Western
Series: Harmony, Book #0.5
Nath: I'm a huge fan of Ms Thomas and her Harmony series. However, I'm not a huge fan of Western... and to go back to the story of how the town was built, you gotta admit it's a strange detour in a series. But if there's an author that can pull it off, it's definitively Ms Thomas :) While A Place Called Harmony was unexpected, I've read enough mentions of the three founding families to be interested in reading about the origins of Harmony!
Rules For a Proper Governess by
Jennifer Ashley
published by Berkley
To Kiss A Thief...
Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most sinister criminals in London - but the widower’s two unruly children are a different matter. Little Caitlin and Andrew go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing in tears.
Roberta “Bertie” Frasier enters Sinclair’s life by stealing his watch - and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children from a dangerous situation and returns them to their father. Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair asks the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing that the unconventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in love.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: MacKenzies & McBrides, Book #7
Nath: I've slacked off in this series a bit, but I'm really interested in Rules For a Proper Governess. The fact that the heroine is a thief and she'll have to deal with two unruly kids, it just sounds like the kind of books I like!
Ames: I'm not a fan of thieves but it's Jennifer Ashley so I'll still pick this one up.
The Blood of Olympus by
Rick Riordan
published by Disney-Hyperion
Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.
The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.
The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: The Heroes of Olympus, Book #5
Nath: Wow, I can't believe this is the last book... Can't believe 5 years have gone by already!! But wooohoo!!! Can't wait to read how Mr. Riordan wraps it all up! Hope it'll be as epic as The Last Olympian!
Whatever Life Throws at You by
Julie Cross
published by Entangled Teen
Life loves a good curveball…
Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas's life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she's living in Missouri (too cold), attending an all-girls school (no boys), and navigating the strange world of professional sports. But Annie has dreams of her own—most of which involve placing first at every track meet…and one starring the Royals' super-hot rookie pitcher.
But nineteen-year-old Jason Brody is completely, utterly, and totally off-limits. Besides, her dad would kill them both several times over. Not to mention Brody has something of a past, and his fan club is filled with C-cupped models, not smart-mouthed high school “brats” who can run the pants off every player on the team. Annie has enough on her plate without taking their friendship to the next level. The last thing she should be doing is falling in love.
But baseball isn't just a game. It's life. And sometimes, it can break your heart…
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: n/a
Nath: Can't wait to get my hands on this one! I love Ms Cross' YA/NA books and I hope this one is no exception. In any case, the blurb is really promising :)
Ames: Indeed it is. I'm wondering how young Brody is though. I like sports romances...and the coach's daughter? haha Should be interesting!
Love and Other Unknown Variables by
Shannon Lee Alexander
published by Entangled Teen
Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.
The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.
By the time he learns she’s ill—and that the pranks were a way to distract Ms. Finch from Charlotte’s illness—Charlotte’s gravitational pull is too great to overcome. Soon he must choose between the familiar formulas he’s always relied on or the girl he’s falling for (at far more than 32 feet per second squared).
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: n/a
Nath: Ohhh, this one sounds interesting Ames! Thanks for putting it on my radar!
Ames: I really like the cover for this one. I think it's cute and the premise sounds cute as well.
October 14
Snow Like Ashes by
Sara Raasch
published by Balzer + Bray
A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making.
Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since.
Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again.
So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Snow Like Ashes, Book #1
Nath: I came across this cover a few months ago and it stuck with me. It sounds quite interesting and the kind of Fantasy YA books that I'd enjoy. Depending on reviews and possible cliffhangers, I might wait till a few more books are out in the series. But in any case, Snow Like Ashes is definitively, firmly on my radar :)
Delicate Ink by
Carrie Ann Ryan
published by Fated Desires
On the wrong side of thirty, Austin Montgomery is ready to settle down. Unfortunately, his inked sleeves and scruffy beard isn’t the suave business appearance some women crave. Only finding a woman who can deal with his job, as a tattoo artist and owner of Montgomery Ink, his seven meddling siblings, and his own gruff attitude won’t be easy.
Finding a man is the last thing on Sierra Elder’s mind. A recent transplant to Denver, her focus is on opening her own boutique. Wanting to cover up scars that run deeper than her flesh, she finds in Austin a man that truly gets to her—in more ways than one.
Although wary, they embark on a slow, tempestuous burn of a relationship. When blasts from both their pasts intrude on their present, however, it will take more than a promise of what could be to keep them together.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Montgomery Ink, Book #1
Ames: I've been wanting to try Carrie Ann Ryan's writing for a while now but I'm sick of paranormal romances as well so I haven't managed to pick anything up by her. But I am looking forward to checking this one out! It's a contemporary!
October 20
Someday Maybe by
Ophelia London
published by Entangled Embrace
Some guys are impossible to forget.
Rachel Daughtry has a 10-year plan that leaves no room for mistakes. Or not-so-serious boys—including Oliver Wentworth, the freshman boyfriend she's never forgotten. Now she's back in San Francisco with an awesome-slash-scary new job. Unfortunately, The Plan doesn't cover things like meeting her best friend's new “secret” guy...Oliver.
Fortunately, no one knows that Rachel and Oliver were ever together, and endless bikini wax torture couldn't make Rachel hurt her friend. But it's killing Rachel. She's not over him. Not even a little. And as her 10-year-plan crumbles around her, Rachel realizes that maybe—just maybe—Oliver feels the same way.
Now Rachel is on the verge of losing all control. And her best friend. And the love of her life...
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Series: Definitely Maybe, Book #2
Nath: I like the cover, but I don't like this kind of story... Let me know what you think of it, Ames.
Ames: I like the idea behind this one. There's something about the drama of the situation that appeals to me.
October 21
Seventh Grave and No Body by
Darynda Jones
published by St. Martin's Press
Twelve. Twelve of the deadliest beasts ever forged in the fires of hell have escaped onto our plane, and they want nothing more than to rip out the jugular of Charley Davidson and serve her lifeless, mangled body to Satan for dinner. So there’s that. But Charley has more on her plate than a mob of testy hellhounds. For one thing, her father has disappeared, and the more she retraces his last steps, the more she learns he was conducting an investigation of his own, one that has Charley questioning everything she’s ever known about him. Add to that an ex-BFF who is haunting her night and day, a rash of suicides that has authorities baffled, and a drop-dead sexy fiancé who has attracted the attentions of a local celebrity, and Charley is not having the best week of her life.
A tad north of hell, a hop, skip, and a jump past the realm of eternity, is a little place called Earth, and Charley Davidson, grim reaper extraordinaire, is determined to do everything in her power to protect it.
We’re doomed.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Charley Davidson, Book #7
Nath: Seriously, how is it possible that this is Book #7 in the series already?! Where does time fly? I'm a bit behind, but I know that I'll get to this one eventually. Need my dose of Charley :P
October 28
Archangel's Shadows by
Nalini Singh
published by Berkley
In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot— should not—be walking the streets.
This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…
Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Guild Hunter, Book #7
Nath: Finally, Ash and Janvier's book!! Can't wait! Really looking forward to it and to my autumnal dose of Ms Singh LOL.
Ames: I'm slooooowly catching up on this series. I recently re-read book 1 and 2 and then read Archangel's Consort for the first time. So I am looking forward to catching up!
Burn For Me by
Ilona Andrews
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)
Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.
Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run or surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.
Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Hidden Legacy, Book #1
Nath: Ilona Andrews and magic... enough said no? :P
Ames: I am jumping on this one because it's book 1 in a new series. Since I'm hopefully behind on the other series I figure I may as well start fresh. haha
Black Dog by
Caitlin Kittredge
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Harper Voyager)
Ava has spent the last hundred years as a hellhound, the indentured servant of a reaper who hunts errant souls and sends them to Hell. When a human necromancer convinces her to steal her reaper’s scythe, Ava incurs the wrath of the demon Lilith, her reaper’s boss.
As punishment for her transgression, Lilith orders Ava to track down the last soul in her reaper’s ledger . . . or die trying.
But after a hundred years of servitude, it’s time for payback. And Hell hath no fury like an avenging Ava . .
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Hellhound Chronicles, Book #1
Nath: I've been meaning to read Ms Kittredge for years. With a new series, now seems the perfect time. Of course, it helps that the blurb sounds so intriguing :)
All Broke Down by
Cora Carmack
published by Harpercollins Publisher (William Morrow)
Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one.
Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians you name it, she's probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He's in for a different kind of fighting. And though he's arrogant and infuriating, she can't help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.
Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it's trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He's met girls like her before fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn't think he's broken, and he definitely doesn't need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about: his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.
Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.
Genre: New Adult
Series: Rusk University, Book #2
Ames: Wena and I enjoyed book 1 and reviewed it. It's funny because Silas was a douche in the first book. We both had faith that he could be redeemed though. I'm looking forward to seeing his character come around and then to see if another character from book 1 grows a bit as well.
Yes Please by
Amy Poehler
published by Harpercollins Publisher (HarperAvenue)
In Amy Poehler’s highly anticipated first book, Yes Please, she offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice (some useful, some not so much), like when to be funny and when to be serious. Powered by Amy’s charming and hilarious, biting yet wise voice, Yes Please is a book is full of words to live by.
Genre: Non-Fiction, Humor
Series: n/a
Ames: I love Amy Poehler and her humor so I'm saying it will probably be a foregone conclusion that I will love her writing too. She's a funny gal.
The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane by
Elizabeth Boyle
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)
She has no desire for love...
As she arrives in Mayfair, Louisa Tempest is horrified when her incorrigible cat bolts from the carriage and dashes into a neighbor's house, where she comes face-to-face with the reclusive Viscount Wakefield. But even more dismaying than his foul temper is the disarray in which she finds his home. Convinced his demeanor would improve if his household were in order, Louisa resolves to put everything to rights.
...until she meets the viscount who lives down the lane.
Much to his chagrin, Wakefield finds it impossible to keep the meddling Louisa out of his home, invading his daily life with her "improvements," and his nights with the tempting desires she sparks inside him. Wounded in the war, he's scorned society ever since his return . . . until Louisa opens the door to his heart and convinces him to give love a second chance.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Rhymes with Love. Book #4
Nath: I love meddling heroines LOL. Recently, Ms Boyle's books have been a bit of a miss for me, but I'm hoping The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane will change the trend.
Ames: This one sounds really cute. I haven't read anything by Boyle in a long time.
The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding by
Victoria Alexander
published by Zebra (Kensington)
The bride and groom cordially request your presence for a wedding at Millworth Manor...
Guests will include Jackson Quincy Graham Channing, New York City banker, and Lady Theodosia "Teddy" Winslow, wedding planner to the finest families in England.
Introductions shall be followed by light conversation, dancing, flirtation, arguing, reconciliation, and an impulsive kiss that both parties are quite certain they will never repeat.
Until they do.
A mutually beneficial fake engagement will be accompanied by all manner of very real complications, scandalous revelations, nefarious schemes, and one inescapable conclusion:
That true love--unlike the perfect wedding--is impossible to plan. . .
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Millworth Manor, Book #4
Nath: Ms Alexander is one of my favorite historical romance authors and as such, she's an auto-buy for me. Of course, it helps that so far, I've been enjoying the Millworth Manor series greatly :) I read the excerpt of The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding and I'm really excited for it!
Only Enchanting by
Mary Balogh
published by New American Library (Signet)
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, all wounded in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendship forged during their recovery at Penderris Hall in Cornwall. Now, in the fourth novel of the Survivors' Club series, Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, has left this refuge to find his own salvation—in the love of a most unsuspecting woman…
Flavian, Viscount Ponsonby, was devastated by his fiancée’s desertion after his return home. Now the woman who broke his heart is back—and everyone is eager to revive their engagement. Except Flavian, who, in a panic, runs straight into the arms of a most sensible yet enchanting young woman.
Agnes Keeping has never been in love—and never wishes to be. But then she meets the charismatic Flavian, and suddenly Agnes falls so foolishly and so deeply that she agrees to his impetuous proposal of marriage.
When Agnes discovers that the proposal is only to avenge his former love, she’s determined to flee. But Flavian has no intention of letting his new bride go, especially now that he too has fallen so passionately and so unexpectedly in love.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Survivor's Club, Book #4
Nath: Well, well, well. I wasn't expecting a new installment in the Survivor's Club series quite so soon. I won't complain though since the hero is Flavian and I've been curious about him! While the books so far have been nice, it hasn't been Ms Balogh at her best. Wonder if a change of publisher mid-way in the series will make a difference. I do hope so.
Ames: I only ever read the first book in the series but MB is an auto-buy author for me. I'll wait and see what you have to say about this one.
Maybe This Christmas by
Sarah Morgan
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
This winter, ex-skiing champion, reformed heartbreaker and single dad Tyler O'Neil has only one mission—making sure his daughter, Jess, has the best Christmas ever. The fact that his best friend, Brenna, is also temporarily moving into his chalet at the overbooked Snow Crystal resort is a delicious distraction he's simply going to have to ignore. Theirs is the one relationship he's never ruined, and he's not about to start now.
Ski pro Brenna Daniels knows all about the perils of unrequited love—she's been in love with Tyler for years. But living with him is absolute torture…how can she concentrate on being his friend when he's sleeping in the room next door? Then when Tyler kisses Brenna, suddenly the relationship she's always dreamed of feels so close she could almost touch it. Could this be the Christmas her dreams of a happy-ever-after finally come true?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: O'Neil Brothers, Book #3
Nath: I've been waiting for Tyler and Brenna's story. They were the most interesting characters in Sleigh Bells in the Snow for me.
Ames: Oh yeah I agree. And them being friends? Love it!
One In a Million by
Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing
As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It's that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she's sworn off love . . .
Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he's still paying for his own mistakes? It's hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there's something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book #12
Nath: And here we are... the last book of the Lucky Harbor series. Who would have thought? I've heard great reviews so far for this one. Hope it'll measure up to the positive buzz!
Ames: Well maybe now that the series is coming to a close I will read it. Of course I have all the books...
Unleashed by
Rachel Lacey
published by Grand Central Publishing
What happens when you find the right one at the wrong time?
Cara Medlen has a serious case of animal attraction. And it's not because of all the foster dogs she's rescued. She's got it bad for her incredibly sexy neighbor. Her one rule: Don't get attached. It's served her well with the dogs she's given to good homes and the children she's nannied. Yet the temptation of Matt's sexy smile might just convince her that some rules are made to be broken.
Matt Dumont doesn't need his skills as a private investigator to detect disaster on the horizon. Cara is everything he thought he'd never find-gorgeous, funny, and caring. But there's no way he can start a relationship just as he's about to move to another state. Talk about bad timing. As their attraction sizzles too hot to deny, they'll have to make a decision: forget the consequences and let loose, or forget each other and let go...
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Love to the Rescue, Book #1
Nath: I don't know what it is about this one, but something pulls me to it. Will most probably give it a try :)
Ames: I'm all over this one. I almost lost track of this one! I didn't note it down anywhere so I'm glad you did Nath. :P There's a puppy on the cover, the heroine loves animals. There's a lot going on that I like already. I'm so shallow.
Nath: We all are, Ames LOL.
