Thursday, June 26

Buddy Review: All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

All Lined Up by Cora Carmack
Published by William Morrow Paperbacks
In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.
Genre: Contemporary New Adult
Series: Rusk University #1


Rowena: So our buddy review book for the month of June was All Lined Up by Cora Carmack. It's a series that was said to be reminiscent of Friday Night Lights, a show that both Ames and I have loved so how could we not buddy review this one?

The story takes place at Rusk University in the great state of Texas. The college's head football coach has a daughter attending Rusk University and when she meets up with QB2 (that's FNL speak, ha!) at a party, they don't know who the other is until it's too late and they're hooked on each other.

So what did you think, Ames? Thumbs up or down?

Ames: I'm giving this one a solid thumbs up! I loved the idea, a football coach's daughter who kind of has some resentment towards the game who ends up falling for a QB. And the new guy on campus falling for the Coach's daughter without knowing who she is. There was a lot going for this story and it lived up to the promise.

What did you think?

Rowena: I really liked it. I thought that both Carson and Dallas were a great couple and I loved their flirty relationship. From their first meeting to every single meeting until the end, I loved it all. I really liked Carson. I liked how he treated Dallas and I loved how even though he was super serious, with Dallas, that flirty side came out and I ate it all up. The only thing that I hated about Carson was his football number. #12. I'm a Los Angeles Lakers fan and that number leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Of the two of them, I think Dallas drove me more crazy but I didn't hate her. I liked that she was a dancer and that she knew what she was about. There wasn't any waffling about where she was concerned and I loved the way that her relationship with her father came around throughout the book. That was nice to see.

Ames: I liked Carson and Dallas were a good couple too. I like how they had their rules for their friendship and both wanted honesty from each other and an explanation if things were to not work anymore. I thought they were unique. They communicated with each other. I don't see a lot of that in NA. Also, their baggage wasn't crazy angsty. Like Dallas had to deal with her dad and the way her high school relationship ended and Carson just had to buckle down and learn to have faith in himself.

One thing that came across as odd for me was the issue about Dallas' virginity. I mean, maybe its just me reading too much contemporary romances but I was like why does everyone care so much? Like even Stella being hurt because Dallas had lied to her. WHY?

I did like that Dallas was a dancer. I like that she had her own stuff going on and wasn't just a hanger on to Carson's football career. And I agree, I did like the way things played out with her dad. I like that he was able to listen to Dallas and he took her side, especially with that fiasco with the picture.

Also, the whole Levi thing kinda got dropped. Like once he was gone, he was never mentioned again. It's not like he wouldn't have been released, you know?

Rowena: That was weird, huh? The whole virginity thing with Dallas. I'm still seeing a lot of virgins in these contemporary books. Why is it still such a big deal? Will readers not buy books about girls who aren't virginal before they meet their love interests? Weird.

Regarding the thing with Levi, I agree with you that he just sort of disappeared from the planet once that drama with him went down but I'm wondering if that had anything to do with him getting his own book in this series and that leads into my next question. What do you think about him and Silas getting their own books? I didn't like either character in this book and initially, I had no interest continuing the series because why waste time on two characters that were disgusting to me in this one? I mean, even though Silas came around, he was still a pretty big douche and I didn't care for him at all but are you interested in reading their books at all? I think I changed my mind and am definitely going to read Silas' book.

And if I'm being honest, I really want to see Stella's story too. But now that I'm actually looking it up, I can't find anywhere where it says that Levi gets a book so maybe he doesn't. It would be interesting if Levi ends up with Stella. Hmm. What about Ryan? I wouldn't mind reading a book featuring Ryan as one of the main characters.

Ames: Maybe we're just getting jaded, Wena. LOL I did like that this book wasn't chock full of sex scenes though. The scenes where they did get intimate did forward the plot and it created some good tension between Carson and Dallas.

I would not read Levi's book unless his character has some growth in other books before he gets his own. Like if Silas gets a book and Levi is in it and he changes, I would potentially read it. And yes, I think Silas can be redeemed so even though he started off the book as a douchecanoe, I do find him interesting. I thought the football aspect of All Lined Up was really well done. It didn't overwhelm the story. And I would like to see Ryan and Stella get their own books (if they don't end up together in some screwball way).

Rowena: Us, jaded? No way. :P

As it stands right now, Levi is a no go for me. But I would probably read Silas' story, especially since I was looking through Cora Carmack's blog and I saw a picture of Silas that she uses on one of her picture card things and guess who she uses as Silas? MATT BARR!! Psycho Derek from One Tree Hill, haha. I heart that guy (not in OTH though, eww) so that went a long way in convincing me to read the next book. And the heroine's name is Dylan, I love that name for a girl. ;)

I thought Cora Carmack delivered the goods with this book and I was glad that I chose this book for us to read, ha! I'm glad that football didn't overwhelm the story and I really liked how Carson and Dallas came together. They were good characters apart but I really liked them together too so that's something. I'd give this book a 4.5 out of 5 or a low A. What about you?

Ames: I like girls that have guy's names too, so Dylan is a win for me. I'll have to check out Cora's blog to see her inspiration for Silas.

All in all, I really enjoyed All Lined Up and since this was the first book I read by this author, I'll definitely be checking out her other books.

I'm going to give this one a B+, or 4 out of 5. :P

Rowena: And we’re done. *drops mic*

~~

All right peeps, that's it for our June review!

For July, Rowena and I are looking back a few months to May's Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson. In case you were interested in reading along. :P

Sunday, June 1

New Releases - June 2014

Traditionally, January and June are the months with least new releases and this year is no exception. I think this is one of the shortest new releases posts that we've ever put together... and you know how Ames and I are good at finding books LOL. Luckily, there are some highly anticipated books coming out, otherwise, it'd be sad.

So check it out!! And please, let us know if we've missed any books! Any way to bulk up the list is appreciated LOL.

***

Nath: Just a quick note before going onto the releases. Heather Webber is self-publishing a new Lucy Valentine novel, Undeniably Yours, sometime in June. While there are still no blurb, no official release date nor cover on Goodreads, it was announced in her newsletter. That one is definitively on my list to get :)

***

June 1

More Than a Fling by Joss Wood
published by Harlequin (Harlequin KISS)
"I will consider doing the campaign--seriously consider it--if you sleep with me."

When Ross Bennett has the not-so-enjoyable pleasure of hearing those words come out of his mouth, he realises he must have left his pants in charge. Because the woman sitting opposite him may be seriously gorgeous, but this is serious business--not some sleazy backroom deal! Until Ally floors him by agreeing to his terms...

Ally Jones may find Ross utterly irresistible, but that can wait: she has a thing or two to teach him first! Her first lesson? Everything comes to those who wait...
Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: None

Nath: I'm really enjoying Ms Wood's category romance and am so happy she's writing them so fast!


June 3

Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley
Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life.

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changelings, Book #13

Ames: I cannot wait to read this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read a few early non-spoiler reviews and a few of the things they mentioned made me feel like making a time machine so I can go to June 3 and get this book already. LOL

Nath: This is definitively the release that everyone is anticipating in June, me included!! I've avoided all reviews, blurbs, etc.  in order to be surprised! Lucky for me, my pre-ordered copy arrived early :) I think everyone will be happy with Shield of Winter.


Devil's Game by Joanna Wylde
published by Berkley
Liam “Hunter” Blake hates the Reapers MC. Born and raised a Devil’s Jack, he knows his duty. He’ll defend his club from their oldest enemies—the Reapers—using whatever weapons he can find. But why use force when the Reapers’ president has a daughter who’s alone and vulnerable? Hunter has wanted her from the minute he saw her, and now he has an excuse to take her.

Em has lived her entire life in the shadow of the Reapers. Her overprotective father, Picnic, is the club’s president. The last time she had a boyfriend, Picnic shot him. Now the men in her life are far more interested in keeping her daddy happy than showing her a good time. Then she meets a handsome stranger—a man who isn't afraid to treat her like a real woman. One who isn't afraid of her father. His name is Liam, and he’s The One.

Or so she thinks.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Reapers MC, Book #3

Ames: I knew there would be something between Erin and Liam after I read Reaper's Legacy. And I think it will be goooood. Seriously loving this series and this is another book I can't wait to get my grubby book hoarder hands on. hehe


Prince of Fools by Mark Lawrence
published by Berkley (Ace)
The Red Queen is old but the kings of the Broken Empire dread her like no other. For all her reign, she has fought the long war, contested in secret, against the powers that stand behind nations, for higher stakes than land or gold. Her greatest weapon is The Silent Sister—unseen by most and unspoken of by all.

The Red Queen’s grandson, Prince Jalan Kendeth—drinker, gambler, seducer of women—is one who can see The Silent Sister. Tenth in line for the throne and content with his role as a minor royal, he pretends that the hideous crone is not there. But war is coming. Witnesses claim an undead army is on the march, and the Red Queen has called on her family to defend the realm. Jal thinks it’s all a rumor—nothing that will affect him—but he is wrong.

After escaping a death trap set by the Silent Sister, Jal finds his fate magically intertwined with a fierce Norse warrior. As the two undertake a journey across the Empire to undo the spell, encountering grave dangers, willing women, and an upstart prince named Jorg Ancrath along the way, Jalan gradually catches a glimmer of the truth: he and the Norseman are but pieces in a game, part of a series of moves in the long war—and the Red Queen controls the board.
Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Red Queen's War, Book #1

Nath: I've been in the mood for something other than romance lately. This sounds like a pretty interesting fantasy read :) Going to check out the reviews, but definitively on my radar.

Fall From India Place by Samantha Young
published by New American Library
When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together…

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again…
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: On Dublin Street, Book #4

Ames: Despite the mess that was Out of Shallows,  I'm still really looking to this one. Samantha Young is an auto-buy author for me and this series is one of my all time favourite contemp series.

That Summer by Lauren Willig
published by St. Martin's Press
2009: When Julia Conley hears that she has inherited a house outside London from an unknown great-aunt, she assumes it’s a joke. She hasn't been back to England since the car crash that killed her mother when she was six, an event she remembers only in her nightmares. But when she arrives at Herne Hill to sort through the house—with the help of her cousin Natasha and sexy antiques dealer Nicholas—bits of memory start coming back. And then she discovers a pre-Raphaelite painting, hidden behind the false back of an old wardrobe, and a window onto the house's shrouded history begins to open...

1849: Imogen Grantham has spent nearly a decade trapped in a loveless marriage to a much older man, Arthur. The one bright spot in her life is her step-daughter, Evie, a high-spirited sixteen year old who is the closest thing to a child Imogen hopes to have. But everything changes when three young painters come to see Arthur's collection of medieval artifacts, including Gavin Thorne, a quiet man with the unsettling ability to read Imogen better than anyone ever has. When Arthur hires Gavin to paint her portrait, none of them can guess what the hands of fate have set in motion.
Genre: Historical fiction
Series: None

Ames: I enjoy Lauren's writing and I like the sound of this one. I like books that have two simultaneous plots in different time periods. I also like stories about paintings/art. So win win. :P


June 10

Count on Me by Lauren Dane
published by Samhain Publishing
Petal is the last place Caroline Mendoza thought she’d end up. Sixteen years ago she lost both parents there—her mother to murder and her father to prison for the crime. Since then she’s built a successful life, but she’s never let go of the belief her father is innocent.

Now she’s back in Petal to find the truth. With a new job and a mystery to solve, she’s got plenty on her plate. But when she bumps into Royal Watson, the sparks fly hard and fast.

When the whipsmart, opinionated lawyer blows into town like a beautiful storm, Royal has a reason to make the time to get off his organic farm and pursue her. And soon their intense attraction is tipping into something more.

As Caroline’s dogged investigation digs up ghosts of the past, there’s not much time for basking in love’s glow. The closer she gets to the truth, the more threatened the real killer gets…and the greater the danger that all her digging could lead to her own grave
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Petal, Georgia, Book #3

Ames: It's kind of funny but I just read all the Petal, Georgia books this past week. I didn't even realize there was a release coming out! And I'm glad I won't have to wait to read more. Woohoo.


The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey
published by Orbit
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr Caldwell calls her 'our little genius'. Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh. Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children's cells. She tells her favourite teacher all the things she'll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn't know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad.
Genre: Horror
Series: None

Ames: Hilcia recommended this one to me. There's a free ten chapter sample already available and I couldn't put it down once I started. And when I got to the end of the sample I literally cried out "Noooooo!" This is one is going to be very interesting. :P

Nath: If you and Hils both love this one, I'll have to check it out :P


June 15

Frozen by Meljean Brook
self-published
For a year and a half, Olivia Martin has tried to forget Erik Gulbrandr, the glacial man who’d scorched her mouth with a single kiss. But when Olivia finds herself snowbound with Erik on the winter solstice, she discovers that the man who set her body aflame is cursed by abominable needs — and a desire that might destroy them both…
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: None

Ames: I didn't realize Meljean had a self-published book coming out. Good find Nath!

Nath: Thanks LOL. I enjoy Ms Brook's writing so definitively going to check this out.


Pia Saves the Day by Thea Harrison
self-published
In the latest story of the Elder Races, two mates face their deadliest challenge yet—each other…

Pia and Dragos’s magical young son Liam (the Peanut), is growing at an unprecedented rate, and if that isn’t enough, he is also exhibiting new, and unpredictable, magical gifts. To protect him, the concerned parents decide to move to upstate New York.

Both Dragos and Pia relish the idea of leaving behind the city. They finally have the space to indulge their Wyr side, and Liam can grow in safety. It’s a breath of fresh air—literally—but their idyllic situation is shattered when Dragos is injured in a freak accident.

Stripped of his memory and bereft of Pia’s taming influence, there’s nothing holding back Dragos’s darkest side. And in order to restore her family and save her mate, Pia must confront the most powerful menace in Elder Races history.

It’s going to take more than a penny to fix this…
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #6.6

Ames: ERMAHGERD that blurb!!!!!  This is going to be one awesome read methinks!

Nath: What does ERMAHGERD mean?? LOL.  I'm not a huge fan of Dragos and Pia, but I like the Peanut.


Dirty Angels by Karina Halle
published by Metal Blonde Books
For Luisa Chavez, a twenty-three year old former beauty queen, a better life has always been just out of her reach. Sure, she’s had men at her feet since she was a young teenager but she’s never had the one thing she’s craved – security. Having grown up in near poverty, her waitressing job in Cabo San Lucas can barely let her take care of herself, let alone her ailing parents. Every day is another unwanted advance, every day is a struggle to survive.

When Salvador Reyes, the depraved leader of a major Mexican cartel, takes an interest in her, Luisa is presented with an opportunity she can’t afford to pass up. She’ll become Salvador’s wife and exchange her freedom and body for a life of riches – riches she can bestow upon her deserving parents. But Luisa quickly finds out that even the finest wines and jewels can’t undo the ugliness in her marriage, nor the never-ending violence that threatens her every move.

Soon, Luisa is looking for an escape, a way out of the carefully controlled life she’s leading. She finally gets her wish in the worst way possible.

As it is, being the wife of Salvador makes her an ideal target for rival cartels and there’s one particular man who needs Luisa as part of his cartel’s expansion. One particular man whose quest for power has destroyed lives, slit throats and gotten him out of an American prison. One particular man who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.

That man is Javier Bernal. And he wants Luisa. He wants to take her, keep her, ruin her.

Unless she ruins him first.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Dirty Angels, Book #1

Ames: I've quickly become a fan of Karina Halle after reading her Artists Trilogy. And I was very very curious about Javier's character. I'm glad to see he gets a book of his own. I think whoever he ends up with is going to be one awesome character.


June 16

Return to Us by Julie Cross
self-published
Summer is definitely heating up...

So yeah, that really happened. Karen’s fist connecting with TJ’s face.

Not only is TJ dealing with a decent sized bruise on his face where Karen gave her best attempt at a knock-out match, now he’s got some explaining to do after Jordan finds out what happened.

Karen’s not ready to forgive TJ for his tough-love tactics to help get her bar routine back in full swing, but she is ready to figure out how to get through to Jordan. He’s being a complete idiot, not dealing with his health issues, forcing her to keep things a secret from Coach Bentley.

With her teammate, Stevie’s, help Karen comes up with a plan to steer Jordan in the right direction—all she needs is a night alone with him and the hiking and camping expedition he promised her weeks ago might be the perfect opportunity.

Or her plan could backfire and he could slip further away from her.

While Karen and Jordan are out playing lumberjack couple in the Pocono Mountains, TJ is dealing with a stranger trying to give him advice on his tumbling, some pretty overt advances from one of Nina Jones’ gymnasts (aka: off limits), and a random hook-up that will most likely end up being a big mistake.
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Series: Letters to Nowhere, Book #2 (Return to Summer, part #3)

Ames: Ooooh I haven't read Return to You yet because I wanted to build up a few books before continuing on in the series. LOL But now that this is coming out for sure I'll catch up. I love Karen and Jordan.

Nath: This one is actually already available as of May 30. Go figure why the official date is June 16 then. However, I'm not complaining!! I can't wait to get my hand on this one, just love Ms Cross' voice and Karen and Jordan :)


Falling for the Groomsman by Diane Alberts
published by Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget. Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty little to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, Christine realizes her list needs updating. And fast. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. Now that they’re trapped together at a destination wedding, she’s going to get her revenge. Tyler has never forgiven himself for how completely he lost control all those years ago. Being in Christine’s arms had felt right…until he realized what he’d taken from her in the hallway of a cheap motel. And oh, how she’s making him pay for it now. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but every time things heat up, Christine walks away. With every encounter, things go a little bit further until Christine’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before their time’s up, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more…
Genre: Category romance, Contemporary
Series: Wedding Dare, Book #1

Ames: I like plots involving a best friend's sibling. And this one sounds right up my alley. :P


Sam and Aaron by L.B. Gregg
published by Carina Press
With our family's legacy, Meyers B&B, in the flailing hands of me, Sam Meyers, and my sister Wynne, we're determined to revive the place. We've started a series of blind-date cooking classes, and taken on our first boarder. Granddad is even now rolling in his grave.

Signed up for the class is our new guest, Aaron Saunders, a Californian transplant who's distractingly handsome and clearly up to no good. I can't quite figure him out. He blew into town and has been relentless in his search for…something.

The sexy sneak is intriguing. And we've had a steamy moment. Or two. But now I can't stop wondering why he's searching in secret. From the library, to the historical society, to my own backyard, Aaron leaves no stone unturned or record book unopened. He's definitely gotten my attention. But that might not be the only thing he's after.
Genre: m/m, Contemporary
Series: Men of Smithfield, Book #5

Ames: I like the Men of Smithfield series and I was happy to hear about another release. The characters are quirky and I enjoy LB's writing.


June 17

When You Are Mine by Kennedy Ryan
published by Grand Central Publishing
Forever is a heartbeat away...

Kerris Moreton knows how to make things work. Bounced from foster home to foster home as a kid, she adapted; when opportunity arose, she thrived. Now, about to open her own business and accept a marriage proposal, Kerris is ready to build the life she's always wanted. The only thing missing? A passionate connection with her would-be fiancé, Cam. Kerris wants to believe that sparks are overrated-until Walsh Bennett lights her up like the Fourth of July.

... but what about love?

As one of the East Coast's most eligible bachelors, Walsh enjoys financial independence, fulfilling work with his family's nonprofit, and plenty of female attention. But lately he's been distracted by the one woman he can't have. Lovely to look at and even sweeter to know, Kerris is the soul mate Walsh never thought he would find. The problem is, his best friend found her first...
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: The Bennetts, Book #1

Ames: Aaaahhh another trope I enjoy - the best friend's girl. For some odd reason, I'm really excited to read this one.

Nath: Oooh. This sounds pretty good. Putting it on my radar.


Better When He's Bad by Jay Crownover
published by Harpercollins Publisher (William Morrow)
Welcome to the Point

There’s a difference between a bad boy and a boy who’s bad... meet Shane Baxter.

Sexy, dark, and dangerous, Bax isn’t just from the wrong side of the tracks, he is the wrong side of the tracks. A criminal, a thug, and a brawler, he’s the master of bad choices, until one such choice landed him in prison for five years. Now Bax is out and looking for answers, and he doesn’t care what he has to do or who he has to hurt to get them. But there’s a new player in the game, and she’s much too innocent, much too soft…and standing directly in his way.
Dovie Pryce knows all about living a hard life and the tough choices that come with it. She’s always tried to be good, tried to help others, and tried not to let the darkness pull her down. But the streets are fighting back, things have gone from bad to worse, and the only person who can help her is the scariest, sexiest, most complicated ex-con The Point has ever produced.

Bax terrifies her, but it doesn’t take Dovie long to realize that some boys are just better when they’re bad.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Welcome to the Point, Book #1

Ames: This one intrigues me. Who doesn't love a bad boy?

Nath: Intriguing indeed. I know Leslie has recently binged on this author, so definitively worth a try.


Fan Art by Sarah Tregay
published by Katherine Tegen Books
When the picture tells the story…

Senior year is almost over, and Jamie Peterson has a big problem. Not college—that’s all set. Not prom—he’ll find a date somehow. No, it’s the worst problem of all: he’s fallen for his best friend.

As much as Jamie tries to keep it under wraps, everyone seems to know where his affections lie, and the giggling girls in art class are determined to help Jamie get together with Mason. But Jamie isn’t sure if that’s what he wants—because as much as Jamie would like to come clean to Mason, what if the truth ruins everything? What if there are no more road trips, taco dinners, or movie nights? Does he dare risk a childhood friendship for romance?
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: None

Ames: I haven't been reading a lot of YA this year but this one is flipping all my switches. I can't wait to read it!

Nath: You'll have to let me know what you think about it!


June 24

Better Homes and Hauntings by Molly Harper
published by Simon & Schuster (Pocket Books)
When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: None

Nath: I love Ms Harper's writing, especially her paranormals. Already pre-ordered this one and eager to get it :) The cover is a bit freaky, but I feel it fits the blurb perfectly LOL.


The Promise by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (Mira)
Scott Grant has a bustling family practice in the small Oregon community of Thunder Point. The town and its people have embraced the widowed doctor and father of two, his children are thriving, and Scott knows it's time to move on from his loss. But as the town's only doctor, the dating scene is awkward. That is, until a stunning physician's assistant applies for a job at his clinic.

Peyton Lacoumette considers herself entirely out of the dating scene. She's already been burned by a man with kids, and she's come to Thunder Point determined not to repeat past mistakes. When Scott offers her a job, at a much lower salary than she's used to, Peyton is surprisingly eager to accept…at least for now. She's willing to stay for a three-month trial period while she explores other options.

Scott and Peyton know the arrangement is temporary—it isn't enough time to build a real relationship, never mind anything with lasting commitment. But love can blossom faster than you think when the timing is right, and this short visit just might hold the promise of forever.
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Thunder Point, Book #5

Ames: I love this series. I look forward to each book way too much. Haha And I've been wanting the doctor's story for a while now. :P

Nath: I'm not up-to-date on this series (shocker!), but I liked the hero in previous books, so might give this one a go.


Suddenly Last Summer by Sarah Morgan
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Fiery French chef Élise Philippe is having a seriously bad day. Not only have the opening day plans for her beloved café fallen apart, but Sean O'Neil is back in town, and looking more delectable than ever. Last summer, they shared an electrifying night together…and the memories have Élise really struggling to stick to her one-night-only rule! Her head knows that eventually Sean will be leaving, so all she can do is try to ignore her heart before she spontaneously combusts with lust.

Being back in Vermont—even temporarily—is surgeon Sean O'Neil's worst nightmare. For Sean, returning home to the Snow Crystal Resort means being forced to confront the reasons and the guilt he feels about rejecting his family's rural lifestyle years ago. But discovering that Élise has settled in Vermont and still sets his blood racing is a very welcome distraction! Thinking he can persuade her into a replay of last summer is tempting, but remembering how good they are together is going to make walking away more difficult than he could imagine…
Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: O'Neil Brothers, Book #2

Ames: I was really intrigued at the hinted at back story of Elise and Sean's in Sleigh Bells in the Snow. I like Sarah Morgan's writing and I like the cover.

Nath: Totally forgot this one until you put it in the post, Ames! I'm curious too about Elise and Sean. Sounds like the perfect summer read :P


Vixen in Velvet by Loretta Chase
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)
From the Diary of Leonie Noirot: The perfect corset should invite its undoing...

Lethally charming Simon Fairfax, Marquess of Lisburne, has reluctantly returned to London for one reason only: a family obligation. Still, he might make time for the seduction of a certain redheaded dressmaker—but Leonie Noirot hasn't time for him. She's obsessed with transforming his cousin, the dowdy Lady Gladys, into a swan.
Leonie's skills can coax curves—and profits—from thin air, but his criminally handsome lordship is too busy trying to seduce her to appreciate her genius. He badly needs to learn a lesson, and the wager she provokes ought to teach him, once and for all.

A great plan, in theory—but Lisburne's become a serious distraction, and Leonie's usual logic is in danger of slipping away as easily as a silk chemise. Could the Season's greatest transformation be her own?
Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Dressmakers, Book #3

Ames: Loretta Chase is an auto-buy author for me and this one is no exception. It sounds cute.

Nath: Haven't been really into historical romance lately. This could go either way.


June 30

Running Wild by S.E. Jakes
published by Riptide Publishing
Embrace the danger.

Sean Rush is an adrenaline junkie. That’s why he was in the Army, why he steals and races classic muscle cars . . . and why he can’t stay away from bad boy Ryker, a Havoc Motorcycle Club lieutenant. Fortunately, Ryker can’t seem to stay away from Sean—he’s spent the last eight months breaking into Sean’s apartment and stealing into his bed, leaving Sean physically satisfied but increasingly restless.

Sean has always avoided relationships. He likes to come and go without being controlled. And Ryker is possibly the most controlling man he’s ever known. Still, he finds that he wants more from Ryker than their silent nighttime encounters.

Then one of Sean’s thefts goes bad, and Ryker’s protective instincts kick into overdrive. He takes Sean to the Havoc compound, determined to keep him safe. But Sean’s past threatens the safety of Havoc—and everything Ryker holds dear. Worse, Ryker’s hiding secrets of his own. Soon it’s obvious that the adrenaline rush can’t keep them together anymore. But maybe love can.
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Series: Havoc #1

Ames: Okay I've been on a serious motorcycle club romance kick lately and having that AND an m/m story to boot? I'm drooling over here!!  I cannot wait!