New Releases - August 2014

I can't believe it's August already. July went by so fast and it wasn't helped by this horrible reading slump I'm in. Hopefully the wonderful new releases in August will help me get over this slump. There's quite a few I'm looking forward to!


August 5

My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas
published by Berkley

Hidden beneath Catherine Blade’s uncommon beauty is a daring that matches any man’s. Although this has taken her far in the world, she still doesn’t have the one thing she craves: the freedom to live life as she chooses. Finally given the chance to earn her independence, who should be standing in her way but the only man she’s ever loved, the only person to ever betray her.

Despite the scars Catherine left him, Captain Leighton Atwood has never been able to forget the mysterious girl who once so thoroughly captivated him. When she unexpectedly reappears in his life, he refuses to get close to her. But he cannot deny the yearning she reignites in his heart.

Their reunion, however, plunges them into a web of espionage, treachery, and deadly foes. With everything at stake, Leighton and Catherine are forced to work together to find a way out. If they are ever to find safety and happiness, they must first forgive and learn to trust each other again…

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Heart of the Blade. Book #2

Ames: Sherry Thomas is an auto-buy author for me. And this one sounds intriguing.

Nath: Nod nod. I'm not a fan of Ms Thomas, but I agree with you, the blurb is intriguing! Also, I really liked the cover of The Hidden Blade which is the prequel....


Downfall by Rob Thurman
published by New American Library (ROC)

I let it go—all of it. Everything I’d been saving up all my life, building and growing inside me, too much to hold in one half-human body. It pushed and fought to be free with a force that turned me into a bomb with a timer vibrating on zero. I was free.

But so was everything I’d fought so hard not to be...

Brothers Cal and Niko Leandros know trouble when they see it—and then proceed to wipe the floor with it. But now it seems their whole world is falling to pieces. Cal’s nightmarish monster side is growing ever stronger, changing Cal physically as well as mentally. Which is exactly what Grimm—Cal’s savage doppelgänger—wants. And when a covert supernatural organization decides that it’s time to put Cal down before he threatens pretty much everything else in existence, the brothers find themselves in a fight they actually might lose. But the dark temptations Cal has denied all his life may prove to be exactly what can save them.

Even if he must fall forever...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Cal Leandros, Book #9

Nath: Wow, I can't believe this series is up to book #9!! I love Cal, Niko and Goodfellow and have to say, Ms Thurman is one of the best authors when it comes to bromance LOL. Also, I like how male-centric this series is... but I really wish Downfall will move the storyline along. As much as I like the characters, I'm tired of the whole Cal going bad/evil and the one step forward, two steps back development progression :(


Lay It Down by Cara McKenna
published by New American Library (Signet Eclipse)

Backbreaking days, wild nights, and the hard hum of steel between your thighs...

That’s a life well lived, according to the Desert Dogs—four friends who call Fortuity, Nevada, their badlands home.

Vince Grossier is the self-crowned outlaw king around here. But when Fortuity’s slick new mayor invites a casino development to town, greed isn’t far behind—and it claims Vince’s good friend as its first casualty. With the law turning a blind eye to the mysterious death, Vince must seek his own brand of justice. The pretty photographer hired by the developers might be the key to uncovering the truth. And she’s a temptation too good to pass up.

Finally free of a controlling ex, Kim Paget’s not looking to be taken for a ride—not on the back of some tattooed roughneck’s bike and definitely not in his bed. But when she uncovers evidence supporting Vince’s suspicions of murder, Kim must entrust her safety to a man whose body threatens danger of a whole different kind.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Desert Dogs, Book #1

Ames: I'm a big fan of Cara McKenna and I've been on an MC binge since late last year. And that's still going strong. I'm all over this one!

The Man Plan by Tracy Ann Warren
published by New American Library (Signet)

What’s a girl to do when the man she’s loved her entire life thinks of her as a little sister? Worse, her own big sister was the one who broke his heart years earlier. For Ivy Grayson, the chance to get him to see her in a different light comes when she receives an unexpected invitation to move into his luxury New York apartment building. Manhattan also just happens to be the perfect place to pursue her wish to become a successful artist. But how many dreams can one woman expect to come true?

Billionaire financier James Jordon has everything a man could want—except love. When Ivy’s family asks him to keep an eye on their “little girl” in the big city, he agrees. But the innocent girl he knew is now a dynamic woman who knows what she wants, and how to get it. He may have promised himself to keep things platonic, but ignoring the game of love isn’t an option. Especially when Ivy is so eager to play.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: The Graysons, Book #2

Nath: The first book, The Last Man on Earth, was on my radar but I didn't pick it up... so who knows if I'll pick up this one ^_^; But I do like this kind of story when the heroine blooms and hero finally realizes what's in front of him.

An aside - this cover just doesn't work for me. The guy on The Last Man on Earth was yummy, but this one? Or perhaps it's the background color... or the fact his face looks a bit too small for his shoulders... What do you think Ames?

Ames: I agree. Something is off with that model. He's too spiffy. And I'm like you, I like stories where the heroine blooms. I also like heroines who are artists. This one sounds good to me!

The Sweetest Summer by Susan Donovan
published by New American Library (Signet)

Every instinct told Police Chief Clancy Flynn that his island’s claim to fame was nothing but a silly tourist attraction. But now and then, he couldn’t help but wonder if his lifetime of bad romances—starting with the pretty tourist who broke his twelve-year-old heart—could be traced back to a childhood prank involving that very statue....

Then one day the pretty tourist comes barreling back into Bayberry—all grown-up and on the run with her niece. Though Evelyn McGuinness is wanted for kidnapping, she tries to persuade Clancy that there’s more to the story. Now the by-the-book police chief must make the toughest decision of his life: to take Evelyn into custody—or into his arms....

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Bayberry Island, Book #2

Nath: I used to love Ms Donovan's books which is why The Sweetest Summer made it on my radar... but I got to say the blurb is so-so. Really, the police chief is not going to turn in the lady wanted for kidnapping?!


Magnolia by Kristi Cook
published by Simon & Schuster

In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived.

Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.

But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over.

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: n/a

Nath: I don't know, this one caught my eyes for some reasons. Hopefully, it's good! LOL.

Ames: Actually this one sounds cute. Usually neighbor families are feuding or something so with this one featuring friendly neighbors, I think it can be more interesting.


The House of the Four Winds by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
published by Macmillan (Tor Books)

The rulers of tiny, impoverished Swansgaard have twelve daughters and one son. While the prince’s future is assured, his twelve sisters must find their own fortunes.

Disguising herself as Clarence, a sailor, Princess Clarice intends to work her way to the New World. When the crew rebels, Clarice/Clarence, an expert with rapier and dagger, sides with the handsome navigator, Dominick, and kills the cruel captain.

Dominick leads the now-outlawed crew in search of treasure in the secret pirate haven known as The House of Four Winds. They encounter the sorceress Shamal, who claims Dominick for her own—but Clarice has fallen hard for Dominick and won’t give him up without a fight.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: One Dozen Daughter's, Book #1

Nath: Love the cover and the story sounds like so much fun! But does that mean there'll be 12 books?!


Mortal Danger by Ann Aguirre
published by Macmillan (Feiwel & Friends)

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Edie Kramer has a score to settle with the beautiful people at Blackbriar Academy. Their cruelty drove her to the brink of despair, and four months ago, she couldn't imagine being strong enough to face her senior year. But thanks to a Faustian compact with the enigmatic Kian, she has the power to make the bullies pay. She's not supposed to think about Kian once the deal is done, but devastating pain burns behind his unearthly beauty, and he's impossible to forget.

In one short summer, her entire life changes, and she sweeps through Blackbriar, prepped to take the beautiful people down from the inside. A whisper here, a look there, and suddenly... bad things are happening. It's a heady rush, seeing her tormentors get what they deserve, but things that seem too good to be true usually are, and soon, the pranks and payback turns from delicious to deadly. Edie is alone in a world teeming with secrets and fiends lurking in the shadows. In this murky morass of devil's bargains, she isn't sure who—or what--she can trust. Not even her own mind...

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Immortal Game, Book #1

Nath: This one was not on my radar, but people in my entourage keeps bringing it up... Guess I'll wait to see their verdict :)

Ames: I thought this one sounded interesting. I like the cover, I like Ann's writing. The blurb is vague enough that I'm not turned off by the paranormal shenanigans. I'm so over paranormal stuff but when its not stated clearly, I'm ok with it. LOL I'll see what reviews say, but for now its on my radar.


August 14

Isla & the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
published by Dutton

From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.

Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: Anna and the French Kiss, Book #3

Nath: The long awaited finale! Don't really have much expectations for this one... but I wouldn't mind seeing Anna, Étienne, Lola and Cricket again :)

Ames: I want to re-read Anna and Etienne's book and then read Lola's. I know I know, I can't believe I haven't read Lola's book yet either. I'm horrible. LOL

But once I've read them, I'll be all over this one. I know it.


August 19

Visions by Kelley Armstrong
published by Dutton

Omens, the first installment in Kelley Armstrong’s exciting new series, introduced Olivia Taylor-Jones, daughter of notorious serial killers, and Gabriel Walsh, the self-serving, morally ambiguous lawyer who became her unlikely ally. Together, they chased down a devious killer and partially cleared her parents of their horrifying crimes.

Their success, however, is short-lived. While Olivia takes refuge in the old, secluded town of Cainsville, Gabriel’s past mistakes have come to light, creating a rift between the pair just when she needs his help the most.

Olivia finds a dead woman in her car, dressed to look like her, but the body vanishes before anyone else sees it. Olivia’s convinced it’s another omen, a sign of impending danger. But then she learns that a troubled young woman went missing just days ago—the same woman Olivia found dead in her car. Someone has gone to great lengths to kill and leave this young woman as a warning. But why? And what role has her new home played in this disturbing murder?

Olivia’s effort to uncover the truth places her in the crosshairs of old and powerful forces, forces that have their own agenda, and closely guarded secrets they don’t want revealed.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Cainsville, Book #2

Nath: Have yet to read Omens yet, but it's Kelley Armstrong and she's an auto-buy :)


How the Scoundrel Seduces by Sabrina Jeffries
published by Simon & Schuster (Pocket)

Investigator Tristan Bonnaud has one aim in life— to make sure that his half-brother George can't ever ruin his life again. So when the pesky Lady Zoe Keane, the daughter of the Earl of Olivier, shows up demanding that the Duke's Men find a mysterious gypsy woman, he seizes the opportunity to also hunt for a gypsy friend who knows secrets about George. Tristan doesn't expect to uncover Lady Zoe's family secrets, as well... or end up falling for the woman who will risk all to discover the truth.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Duke's Men, Book #3

Nath: Another auto-buy author! And another series I haven't read yet... Gosh, I'm turning into Ames!! LOL.

Ames: LMAO!! Yes you are!! But I noticed you aren't reading as many historicals this year. You'll get to this one eventually. And I'm interested in this series as well...haha!

Nath: Yeah, I'm over historical this year... Just don't feel it :(


Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby
published by Simon & Schuster (Pocket)

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Love Under the Big Sky, Book #2

Nath: I've never read Ms Proby, but this one sounds interesting... Especially with the hero making the first steps. It's always nice to see a guy wanting to settle.

Ames: I bought the first book but haven't read it yet. LOL


August 26

A Scandal to Remember by Elizabeth Essex
published by St. Martin's Press

For too long, Miss Jane Burke’s father has taken advantage of her painstaking research. Heading to the South Seas to make her own name as a scientist despite the crew’s insistence that a woman aboard is bad luck, she isn't prepared to be championed by a handsome ship’s officer who rouses longings inside her as wild as any storm…

For Lieutenant Charles Dance, a post on His Majesty’s survey ship Tenacious is just one more dutiful rung on the ladder of his career. Even a headstrong bluestocking on board is less troubling than the ship’s drunken captain—and the ferocious gales that drive the ship off course. Stranded on a remote island, passion blazes between them as hot as the sun, but it’s Jane’s love Charles wants forever…

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Reckless Brides, Book #5

Nath: I'm not crazy about the heroine being a scientist... but I have been enjoying this series and Ms Essex' writing a lot so I'm willing to give A Scandal to Remember a chance. I hope most of the book will be aboard the ship... that'd be fun :)

Ames: What? Why not!  I love heroine scientists! In fact I just re-read Midsummer Moon by Laura Kinsale because I love the heroine and her pet hedgehog! LOL

Nath: I guess it's because in historical, it's always the same setting... the heroine is considered weird, but of course, she's attractive. It feels trite.


Once More, My Darling Rogue by Lorraine Heath
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)

They are England’s most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways...

Born to the street but raised within the aristocracy, Drake Darling can’t escape his sordid beginnings. Not when Lady Ophelia Lyttleton snubs him at every turn, a constant reminder he’s not truly one of them. But after rescuing her from a mysterious drowning he realizes she doesn’t remember who she is. With plans to bring her to heel, he insists she’s his housekeeper—never expecting to fall for the charming beauty.

While Ophelia might not recall her life before Drake, she has little doubt she belongs with him. The desire she feels for her dark, brooding employer can’t be denied, regardless of consequences. So when her memory returns, she is devastated by the depth of his betrayal. Now Drake must risk everything to prove she can trust this rogue with her heart once more.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Scandalous Gentlemen of St.James, Book #2

Nath: Another auto-buy book, but one I'm up-to-date with :) Been a while since I read an amnesia book... Don't know how I feel about Drake using the situation, but I have faith in Ms Heath's writing!



What I Love About You by Rachel Gibson
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)

GIMMEE A B-R-E-A-K!

Ex-high school cheerleader Natalie Cooper could once shake her pom-poms with the best of them. But she's paid for all that popularity—her husband's run off with what's left of their money and a twenty-year-old bimbo named Tiffany. Leaving Natalie to manage a photo store and having to see some pictures she, well, really shouldn't.

GIMMEE A S-H-O-T!

Then she comes toe-to-manly chest with Blake Junger. Exiled to a remote cabin in Truly, Idaho, Blake wants nothing to do with anyone. Instead, he's determined to struggle with his demons and win—all on his own. But the last thing he needs is Natalie distracting him with her luscious curves and breaking down the barriers of his heart.

GIMMEE YOUR H-E-A-R-T!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Truly, Idaho, Book #3

Nath: Seems to me it's been a while since Ms Gibson has hit one really far out there. Hopefully, this will be it!

Ames: The blurb for this one reminds me of that Molly Harper book, And One Last Thing...which makes me want to read it.


It's in His Kiss by Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing

ONE KISS CAN LAST FOREVER
Becca Thorpe has uprooted her life and escaped to the beach. Now's her chance to get away from city living, throw caution to the ocean winds, and live in the moment. Especially if the moment includes the deliciously sexy surfer she meets shortly after arriving in Lucky Harbor. Something about the dark intensity of Sam's eyes and the thrill she gets at his touch convinces her to stay awhile.

Boatbuilder and investment genius Sam Brody is a self-made man who knows how dangerous it can be to mix business and pleasure. But he can't resist offering Becca a job just to hear her laugh and have her near. Yet when her brother comes to town asking for help, will he tempt her back to her glamorous life in the city? Or do Sam and little Lucky Harbor have a chance to win Becca's heart?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Lucky Harbor, Book #10

Nath: This is my fall-back series :) In the mood for contemporary romance, don't know what to read? The Lucky Harbor series it is :) There's been a positive buzz for It's in His Kiss so I'll be sure to pick this one up eventually :)

Ames: LOL Nath. Jill is an auto-buy author for me. And she's got her own shelf in my room. One day I'll read this series. I did read book 1 last year. hehe


The Homecoming by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (MIRA)

At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been.

Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he's been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he's become a better, humbler version of his former self.

Winning over his father isn't the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he's finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Thunder Point, Book #6

Nath: I really enjoyed The Promise which prompted me to read The Chance which was so-so... So where will The Homecoming fall? Yes, I'll read it to find out :) I'm enjoying the Thunder Point community and I like childhood sweethearts story... Hopefully, Seth is good at groveling!

Ames: I've fallen behind on this series. But that's not a bad thing. I'll be able to read them back to back whenever I get around to them!

The Best Kind of Trouble by Lauren Dane
published by Harlequin

She has complete control...and he's determined to take it away

A librarian in the small town of Hood River, Natalie Clayton's world is very nearly perfect. After a turbulent childhood and her once-wild ways, life is now under control. But trouble has a way of turning up unexpectedly—especially in the tall, charismatically sexy form of Paddy Hurley….

And Paddy is the kind of trouble that Natalie has a taste for.

Even after years of the rock and roll lifestyle, Paddy never forgot the two wickedly hot weeks he once shared with Natalie. Now he wants more… even if it means tempting Natalie and her iron-grip control. But there's a fine line between well-behaved and misbehaved—and the only compromise is between the sheets!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: The Hurley Boys, Book#1

Nath: Wow, two books in the same month with the heroine named Natalie!! How rare!

LOL, I was going to skip this book just because, until I read that the heroine was a librarian. Sigh, how easy are we?

Ames: *gasp* You were going to skip a Lauren Dane novel?  I don't know if we can be friends anymore...LOL

So yeah, Lauren is an auto-buy author for me. :P I will readily read whatever she puts out. :P

Nath: LOL, you can't live without me no matter what I do :P


I Want It That Way by Ann Aguirre
published by Harlequin

Nadia Conrad has big dreams, and she's determined to make them come true—for her parents' sake as well as her own. But between maintaining her college scholarship and working at the local day care to support herself, she barely has time to think, let alone date. Then she moves into a new apartment and meets the taciturn yet irresistible guy in 1B….

Daniel Tyler has grown up too fast. Becoming a single dad at twenty turned his life upside down—and brought him heartache he can't risk again. Now, as he raises his four-year-old son while balancing a full-time construction management job and night classes, a social life is out of the question. The last thing he wants is for four noisy students to move into the apartment upstairs. But one night, Nadia's and Ty's paths cross, and soon they can't stay away from each other.

The timing is all wrong—but love happens when it happens. And you can't know what you truly need until you stand to lose it.

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary
Series: 2B Trilogy, Book #1

Nath: Wow, someone is being prolific this month! Two books in a month! But now I'm confused... Scratch my comment above, I think I Want It That Way is the book everyone's been mentioning to me! LOL.

Ames: Really? That's good to know then! I enjoy new adult and Ann Aguirre so I've been waiting for this one to come out. Good to hear people are talking about it already. Hopefully positively?