Breezing Through

Best of 2011 - Part II

2012-01-25T09:58:00.001-05:00

And here it is, part II of our recap of 2011 :) In this post, we discuss books of course, but also series and authors :) Through a series of categories, we look back at what marked our reading year!! Don't be shy and share with us what and who marked yours!

Most anticipated book in 2011

Ames: Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh - I don't really need to explain why, right? LOL

Nath: Nath: The list is long, really long LOL. If I had to choose, it'd be Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh (Hawke and Sienna's story!!), Ghost Story by Jim Butcher (talk about cliffhanger!!)... and Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen :)

Book that took you by surprise in 2011

Ames: Sea Change by Darlene Marshall- you can read my review here. OMG I loved this book! Go read my review if you haven't already. It had a cross-dressing heroine!!

Nath: When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James. She's a hit and miss author for me and to tell the truth, I'm not a fan of fairy tales and their retelling. That's why it took me so much time to pick up this book, despite all the raved reviews. Even then, I didn't expect much and certainly not to enjoy it as much as I did!

Books that met your expectations

Ames: I had super high expectations for this book and it definitely delivered – Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison

Nath: Warcry by Elizabeth Vaughan, Ghost Story by Jim Butcher and Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Best new series

Ames: Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne. This book made me like mysteries. LOL And at the core, there's a taboo romance between a woman of the cloth and a married chief of police. And our heroine? She's the definition of kick-ass!

Nath: Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. It reminds me a bit of the Stephanie Plum series :) Lots of fun!

Series that are still going strong

Ames: Even though I’m not caught up, the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs

Nath: Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews definitively. Everything in that series is gold :) My other choices are the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, the Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman, the Lucy Valentine books by Heather Webber and Psy-Changelings by Nalini Singh. LOL, yes, I read a lot of series... Who doesn't nowadays? :P

Series that I've given up on

Ames: Since I didn’t even make an effort to read any this past year, I’d have to say Lora Leigh’s Breeds and Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunters.

Nath: The Dark Hunters series was my choice last year. This year, it's Immortals after Dark by Kresley Cole. I might succumb to temptation, but for now, I really don't have any urge to pick up the new releases.

Best debut novels

Ames: Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Nath: Attachments by Rainbow Rowell and an honorable mention to Joanna Chambers for The Lady's Secret

Ames: I didn't get a chance to read The Lady's Secret in 2011 but I read it soon after the New Year and yeah, that was one excellent debut!

Nath: To keep in mind for next year's post, Ames :P

Best new-to-me authors

Ames: Julia Spencer-Fleming

Nath: Darynda Jones. Oh and I finally read a Carrie Lofty book. She lived up to the hype :)

Best come-back author

Ames: I don't have anyone to nominate for this category.

Nath: Jacquie D'Alessandro :) Her last few historicals were so-so to me and honestly, I didn't really have high expectations for Summer at Seaside Cove... but I was really pleasantly surprised!! Also, to a certain extent, Rick Riordan because his last releases - the 2 Kane Chronicles books and The Lost Hero - weren't up to the standard he set with Percy Jackson and the Olympians books.

Best Author of 2011

Ames: Richelle Mead. Richelle had a million book releases this year - the final Succubus book (*sob*), the final Eugenie book and she also started another series with Bloodlines. On top of that, she had a baby! It was a very good year for Richelle and that makes her the best author of 2011 for me. :P

Nath: Ilona Andrews. Ms Andrews was very prolific this year - several novellas, 1 Kate Daniels book and 1 Edge book - and while not everything was to my taste, what I enjoyed, I really enjoyed :) Like I said earlier, everything part of the Kate Daniels series was gold ;)

And that's our recap of 2011! How did our choices compare to yours? We're interested, so let us know. And here's to hoping that 2012 is an even better year than 2011!

Best of 2011 - Part I

2012-01-18T17:18:00.000-05:00

Finally! Nath and I are getting around to posting our top reads of 2011. This is part 1 and part 2 will be coming in a few days. So take a look at some of our favorite reads of 2011 and let us know how our reads compared to yours. Did you read some of the books we listed? Did you enjoy them as much as we did? Are we off our rockers and have horrible taste? LOL Let us know!

***

Historical

Ames
1. Defiant by Kris Kennedy
2. Sea Change by Darlene Marshall
3. Follow My Lead by Kate Noble
* Honorable mention to The Other Guy’s Bride by Connie Brockway

Nath
1. Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase
2. When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James
3. Scandal of the Year by Laura Lee Guhrke
*Honorable mention goes to Mary Balogh whose books I've devoured in 2011, most noticeably The Ideal Wife and More than a Mistress :)

Nath: LOL, in comparison to you Ames, my Top 3 is not very surprising. Many well-known authors in there... and all Avon releases :) For some reasons, I really like Avon historicals, even if I complain they're a bit bland at times... Going to have to try to read more from other publishers. I I have Follow My Lead in my TBR pile, going to have to get to it soon :)

Ames: I enjoy historicals too - but I was for sure tired of the same old same old Regency so I looked to other time periods. And with Sea Change, I LOVE cross-dressing heroines. That book worked for me on so many levels. And even Follow My Lead, that one was very different from the ballroom setting, and like Defiant, it had a road trip feel to it.

Contemporary

Ames
1. A Lot Like Love by Julie James
2. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
3. And One Last Thing... by Molly Harper

Nath
1. The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas
2. Wild Man Creek by Robyn Carr
3. Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen
*Honorable mention goes to Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D'Alessandro and A Lot like Love by Julie James.

Nath: And One Last Thing... made it into my Top 3 last year... under fiction LOL. But yeah, definitively a good choice there :) It was a tough choice for the third position and it was a debate between A Lot Like Love and Playing Dirty. I really enjoyed A Lot Like Love and actually graded it better... but I think given the choice, I'm more likely to pick up Playing Dirty to re-read and so that's why I went with it :)

Ames: I didn't read that much contemporary romance in 2011. Or I did, but it was mostly M/M. LOL I struggled with putting Attachments under this category, but at the heart of it, it is a love story. And a damn good one.

Category romance

Ames
1. The Admiral’s Penniless Bride by Carla Kelly
2. Beau Crusoe by Carla Kelly
3. -

Nath
1. The Man She Loves to Hate by Kelly Hunter
2. Juggling Briefcase & Baby by Jessica Hart
3. Stand-In Wife by Karina Bliss/Always a Bridesmaid by Nina Harrington.

Nath: All right, this is really a case of "don't judge by the cover" for The Man She Loves to Hate... It was a great read! Hopefully, I'll be able to review it soon. As for third place, I couldn't make up my mind between Stand-In Wife and Always a Bridesmaid. I liked Stand-In Wife because of the family relationships - the kids were really cute :) As for Always a Bridesmaid, it was the H/H characters that I enjoyed... but the romance in both was so-so.

Ames: I only had 2 entries because I didn't read a lot of great categories. The majority fell in the B or C gradient but the two I listed above definitely stuck out for me.

Romantic Suspense/Mystery

Ames
1. In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
2. Don’t Look Back by Josh Lanyon
3. Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Nath
1. You Belong to Me by Karen Rose
2. Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
3. Absolutely, Positively by Heather Webber

Nath: Second Grave on the Left and Absolutely, Positively were really fun reads and a mix of genres, but at the core, they're both mysteries :) Good for me, because my initial Top 3 - when I didn't include mystery - was really sad ^_^;

Ames: I read four romantic suspenses in 2011 and DNF'd two of them. All my top picks were mysteries. Mind you, I didn't read any Karen Rose in 2011...something I need to remedy in 2012.

Nath: Tsk, tsk. Definitively something you'll have to remedy... Especially since if I'm correct, you have quite a few of hers in your TBR pile!

Paranormal

Ames
1. Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
2. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
3. Change of Heart by Mary Calmes

Nath
1. Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
2. Demon Marked by Meljean Brook
3. Demon Kissed by Patti O'Shea

Nath: I was really burned out on paranormal romance in 2011. I've only read 7 and you can imagine how much they didn't work for me if Demon Kissed is in my Top 3. I love Ms O'Shea, that's no secret... but Demon Kissed is a novella for god's sake! That's just tell you how burned out I am on the genre ^_^;

Ames: I'm burnt out on paranormals as well. I stayed away except when I was forced (Dragon Bound, and Holly forced me lol). Kiss of Snow, Monroe made me read when I was visiting her in July. Change of Heart was my own pick and that was from a handful of paranormal M/Ms I bought. The majority of which I haven't read really.

UF/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Ames
1. The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by NK Jemisin
2. Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
3. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre
*Honorable mention to Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale

Nath
1. Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
2. Blackout by Rob Thurman
3. Warcry by Elizabeth Vaughan
4. Ghost Story by Jim Butcher
*Actually, everything I've read from Ms Andrews and related to the Kate Daniels series have been gold to me this year. Magic Dreams, Magic Gifts and the Curran POV volumes. All excellent! Ms Andrews definitively deserves the top position this year :)

Nath: I debated for the Patricia Briggs. River Marked was good, but in the end, it didn't make the cut... although if I added a fifth position...

Ames: I was supposed to buddy review The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms but that didn't quite work out. Read it though people! And I haven't read River Marked yet. As much as I clamor for the latest release in my favorite series, I really take my time reading them. Because I LOVE the Georgina Kincaid Succubus series by Richelle Mead but I didn't read the last book in that series yet. I'm contrary that way.

Nath: LOL, you don't really take your time reading them Ames. They languish in your TBR pile for a long time, but once you pick them up, you zip through it! LOL

Young Adult

Ames
1. Pegasus by Robin McKinley
2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
3. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
*Honorable Mention to Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally and Paradise by Jill S. Alexander

Nath
1. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
2. Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John
3. Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski
*Honorable Mention to Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally, Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt and Forgotten by Cat Patrick.

Nath: LOL, seems like we both enjoyed Catching Jordan :) I guess it's because it's refreshing. I'm determined to read Pegasus this year as it's in my TBR pile... and I've been eyeing Paradise for a long time. I think I'm going to wait till it's released in paperback :)

Ames: I love that Jordan is a real tomboy in Catching Jordan. Definitely different. I need to read Rick Riordan in 2012.

Nath: Yes, you do!!

Fiction

Ames
1. The Wild Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
2. Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
3. The Countess and the King by Susan Holloway Scott
*Honorable mention to Junction X by Erastes.

Nath
1. Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
2. -
3. -

Nath: LOL, see I put Attachments here :) While I agree with you that there's a romance at the core of the story... the book isn't shelved in the romance section, so fiction it is with me :) Plus, I couldn't leave this category empty :) I just don't read enough fiction... Hmmm, could I put Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts?

Ames: My top fiction reads were historicals. Not bad. I need to read more of that as well in 2012. I gotta shake things up a bit! LOL I also had Kate Quinn's sophomore effort in my tbr pile, the prequel to Mistress of Rome (which I listed as a top read in 2010) that I was really looking forward to but didn't read it. I need to work on that weird habit of mine!

M/M

Ames
1. Out of Focus by LA Witt
2. One Real Thing by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
3. Paris A to Z by Marie Sexton
*Honorable mentions to Prove It by Chris Owen

Nath
1. Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell
2. Gobsmacked by L.B. Gregg
3. A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan

Ames: You know I really loved a book if I didn't review it. LOL Out of Focus I read close to the end of December and it just squeaked in under the wire. But yeah, I really get a writing block for those books I just want to gush about. Just take my word for it, they're listed here, I loved them, so go read them. :P

Nath: I told you, just tell us why you liked it so much :) Characters, the plot, the hot sex? LOL. You know what? I kept complaining in 2011 that I didn't review a lot and true, my numbers are down... However, putting this post together, I'm really surprised that the books I really enjoyed this year, most of them I have reviewed :) Yay!

***

And there you have it, our top reads for 2011 :) What do think? Ames and I were discussing while making these lists and the consensus was that 2011 was a mediocre year ^_^; I don't mean to take anything away from any of the books listed in this post. They were definitively great reads! However, looking back at 2011 as a whole, Ames and I both read a lot of books - 200 and over. You'd think there'd be a lot more books that would have stood out... but not really. Especially for historical and contemporary romances and romantic suspense. Ah well, to a better 2012! :)

New Releases - January 2012

2012-01-01T07:55:00.042-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!! We're starting 2012 on the right foot, here at Breezing Through, by sharing the new releases we're looking forward to and as usual, adding to your To Buy list LOL.

We've dropped the ball a little in 2011 ^_^; However, we're determined to come back strong in 2012 :) Or at least, more consistent! The first order of business will be to recap our year in reading! So look forward to some posts in the near future!

January 2nd

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Genre: YA, Contemporary
Series: N/A

Ames: This one just sounds so cute and definitely an interesting setting, an airport/airplane.

Nath: This was not on my radar, but thanks to Ames, it is now! It sounds really cute :) Sounds like road-trip book, but in an airport/plane.

January 3

It Takes a Witch by Heather Blake
published by New American Library

Darcy Merriweather has just discovered she hails from a long line of Wishcrafters-witches with the power to cast spells by making a wish. She's come to Enchanted Village to learn her trade but finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation...

Genre: Mystery
Series: A Witchcraft Mystery, Book #1

Nath: One series I've really been enjoying is the Lucy Valentine series, because they're really fluffy books. I have heard that there would be another installment, but for now, I'll have to be happy picking up Heather Webber's new series under a new pseudonym - Heather Blake :) And guess what? It has a witch in it!! LOL, you know me, I'm so in!

Twice Fallen by Emma Wildes

published by New American Library

Lady Lillian Bourne is re-entering society after her disastrous elopement four years ago, and has to be the very picture of propriety. But when she finds herself locked in a library with an enigmatic stranger during a party, she risks falling from grace a second time...

After years working as a spy, Lord Damien Northfield finds London tedious-until his encounter with the lovely but notorious Lily. When he's enlisted to investigate a scheme of blackmail and murder, he's thrilled to discover that Lily may be the key to catching a ruthless killer...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Ladies in Waiting, Book #2

Nath: I love Ms Wildes' writing and really am looking forward to this book. I thought Lillian was a really interesting character in A Whisper Away... and Damien Northfield returns!! For those who don't remember, he's the third Northfield brother in Lessons from a Scarlet Lady!

Ames: Ok, I do not remember these characters at all. I'm getting old! LOL I really enjoy Ms. Wildes' writing as well can this sounds good. Can't wait to read it.

Mad about the Earl by Christina Brooke
published by St. Martin's Press

Designed to arrange matches of rank and affluence, the powerful Ministry of Marriage has no interest in love. But when does the heart ever play by the rules?

Lady Rosamund Westruther has no objection to the match arranged for her by the Ministry—until she meets her intended. Gruff, stubborn Griffin, Earl of Tregarth, is hardly the charming nobleman the classic beauty has dreamed of for so long. While a proper lady can’t cry off, she can demand a proper courtship …

Griffin is aware of his duty to wed—and more convinced than ever that the lovely Rosamund has no place with a man like him. Built for fields and stables rather than drawing rooms, Griffin doubts he can win her in the polite manner society requires. But with every passing day, the attraction between them flares higher and hotter. Maybe there is more to love than meets the eye...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Ministry of Marriage, Book #2

Nath: I got Ms Brooke's debut novel, Heiress in Love, at RWA last summer and thought she showed a lot of potential :) Hopefully, I'll enjoy Mad about the Earl as much and Ms Brooke will become my newest addition to my auto-buy author list :)

Bride by Mistake by Anne Gracie

published by Berkley

Eight years ago, Lieutenant Luke Ripton made a hasty wartime marriage to protect a young girl from a forced union. Now, unable to obtain an annulment, Luke has no choice but to collect Isabella, the fiercely independent wife he never wanted.

And while they remain bound to their vows, they never expected that the passionate fury they share could become passion of a different kind...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Devil Riders, Book #5

Nath: Lots of historical romances this month!! One that I'm sure to pick up though is Ms Gracie's newest :) I really, really enjoyed The Accidental Wedding, which made me go look for her backlist :) I think her Devil Riders series is really interesting. I'm a bit disappointed that this is not Marcus' book, but it's okay, because it's coming! :) Also, the blurb of Bride by Mistake sounds really like my type of story :)

Destiny by Carly Phillips
published by Berkley

Nash Barron may be cynical about love, yet even he likes a good wedding. But the only good thing about his brother's wedding is Kelly Moss. Nash can't help but admire her confidence and beauty, but he's forced to keep his distance because getting involved with Kelly could destroy his relationship with his newly discovered half sister, Tess...

Kelly came to Serendipity to give Tess--her half sibling as well, thanks to an illicit affair--a second chance at life. She learned long ago not to rely on anyone but herself. Besides, she doesn't want to upset Tess's life by pushing for a fling with Nash. Except the more she gets to know him, the more vulnerable she becomes to the kindness beneath his gruff exterior, and the less she's able to stay away. But she has other reasons for keeping her distance. Like the secret from her past she knows Nash will never forgive...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Serendipity, Book #2

Nath: This is the 2nd book in the series. I have not read the first one, Serendipity... and wasn't planning to pick this either... Till I saw Holly's comment in Goodreads. Yes, I'm easy to sway LOL. Plus, it's been a while since I haven't read a really good contemporary romance... Hoping this will be it :)

Whispers in the Dark by Maya Banks

published by Berkley

She came to him when he needed her the most

She came to him at his lowest point. The voice of an angel, a whisper in the dark. She's the only thing that gets Nathan Kelly through his captivity, the endless days of torture and the fear that he'll never return to his family. With her help, he's able to escape. But he isn't truly free, because now she's disappeared and he's left with an all-consuming emptiness as he struggles to pick up the pieces of his life. Did he imagine his angel? Or is she out there, needing his help as he'd once needed hers?

Now he rushes to save her before it's too late

Shea has been on the run from people who will stop at nothing to exploit her unique abilities. She never wanted to drag Nathan, who'd already suffered so much, into danger, but she doesn't have a choice so she reaches out to him for help. Finally face-to-face after having already formed a soul-deep bond in hell, their emotional connection is even more powerful than their telepathic one. Nathan refuses to consider ever letting her go again, but she worries they can never have a life free of the dangers that dog her every step. He'll protect her with his every breath, but can he convince her that they are meant to face these threats together?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: KGI, Book #4

Nath: Okay, so I have not read any of the book in this series yet ^_^; But! I have heard a lot of good buzz about them!! And this blurb sounds quite good... I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do, but I'll be keeping this one in mind :)

Ames: You know me, I read the first book in the series and here I am, buying up the rest of them. LOL I am interested in this one but I'll catch up on the series before I buy this one.

Monroe: I havent read this series, but its Maya Banks so Im sure I will...one day ;)

The Given and the Taken by L.A. Witt
published by Samhain Publishing

Their bond could be the death of them all.

After pleading his case to his wolf clan’s Elders, Levi is granted the right to bond with Ian, his male human lover, on one condition: they must spend one year apart. Then Ian must use only their spiritual connection to find Levi, or the deal is off.

Tracking down his lover is easy for Ian, but Levi isn’t prepared for the changed man who finds him.

The agony of separation was too much for Ian. In a moment of weakness, he reached out—to a vampire. Now he’s a vampire himself, and Levi’s devastation—and rejection—is like a stake to his heart. But it’s nothing compared to the fury of the clan that wants Ian brought to justice for desecrating their most sacred ritual.

Afraid for Ian’s safety, Levi puts the pain aside and races to get to Ian first, but he faces unexpected competition: Darius, Ian’s maker. When they come together, all hell breaks loose, Ian is on the run…and the only way Levi and Darius can save the man they love is to work together.

If they don’t kill each other first.

Genre: M/M, Paranormal
Series: Tooth & Claw, Book #1

Ames: I love love love LA Witt's writing and I also love m/m/m. So yes, definitely looking forward to this one.

January 7

Blind Space by Marie Sexton

published by Silver Publishing

Captain Tristan Kelley enjoys the luxuries of Regency service, as well as the pleasure of his Prince's bed. It's an easy life, if not a happy one. When the Prince decides to take a trip through the perilous Blind Space, Tristan must go with him, but somebody in the Prince's guard is a traitor.

Blind and held prisoner, Tristan finds himself at the mercy of Valero, a pirate who bears no love for the Regency. Valero is determined to seduce Tristan, and Tristan fears his resolve won't last. His duty is clear, but so is his desire. As the days tick by with no word or ransom from the Regency, Tristan begins to question what loyalty means to his Prince, the Regency he's sworn to, and to the man who holds him captive.

Tristan begins to realize that being a prisoner may actually set him free.

Genre: M/M, Sci-fi
Series: N/A

Ames: I love Marie's writing and I can't wait to try this sci-fi m/m romance of hers. It sounds interesting and right up my alley.

January 10

Lothaire by Kresley Cole
published by Simon & Schuster

ALL FEAR THE ENEMY OF OLD

Driven by his insatiable need for revenge, Lothaire, the Lore’s most ruthless vampire, plots to seize the Horde’s crown. But bloodlust and torture have left him on the brink of madness—until he finds Elizabeth Peirce, the key to his victory. He captures the unique young mortal, intending to offer up her very soul in exchange for power, yet Elizabeth soothes his tormented mind and awakens within him emotions Lothaire believed he could no longer experience.

A DEADLY FORCE DWELLS WITHIN HER

Growing up in desperate poverty, Ellie Peirce yearned for a better life, never imagining she’d be convicted of murder—or that an evil immortal would abduct her from death row. But Lothaire is no savior, as he himself plans to sacrifice Ellie in one month’s time. And yet the vampire seems to ache for her touch, showering her with wealth and sexual pleasure. In a bid to save her soul, Ellie surrenders her body to the wicked vampire, while vowing to protect her heart.

CENTURIES OF COLD INDIFFERENCE SHATTERED

Elizabeth tempts Lothaire beyond reason, as only his fated mate could. As the month draws to a close, he must choose between a millennia-old blood vendetta and his irresistible prisoner. Will Lothaire succumb to the miseries of his past... or risk everything for a future with her?

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Immortals after Dark, Book #12

Nath: I'm behind on this series. I kind of lost interest along the way ^_^; And the writing style doesn't really suit me. So I don't think I'll be picking up this... Unless I start seeing A-grade for this book from all my blogger pals LOL. You know that swaying comment earlier? It's true LOL.

Ames: I'm way behind on this series too - although I really did enjoy Cole's writing. Another one to hold off on until I catch up on the series. But it's on my list!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

published by Dutton

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Genre: YA, Contemporary
Series: N/A

Nath: I don't know where Ames finds all these interesting YA books! I mean, seriously, each new releases post, she comes up with these YA books that I had no idea were coming out! LOL. So another book that sounds quite interesting... However, I'm not sure I'll be picking this one up because it seems the ending might be sad and heart-breaking :(

Ames: Nath, those are the best books! Those are the ones that touch me and make me cry. And a good cry is needed once in a while, it makes us appreciate things more. That's what I think anyway. And also, thanks for making me sound like a book ninja. LOL

Nath: Ohhhh, Book Ninja. That'd be an awesome blog name LOL.

January 17

Me@you.com by KE Payne
published by Bold Strokes Books

Is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met? Imogen Summers thinks so – because it’s happened to her.

Immy is a normal 18 year old, with a normal life, a normal family and a normal boyfriend. But when she finds herself falling for a girl on an internet message board, a girl she knows only as the mysterious Fickle, her so-called normal life is suddenly turned on its head.

As her relationship with Fickle develops into more than just friendship, Immy finds another message board friend, the sweet and lovely Joey, the perfect person to confide in. But can Joey stay out of it when she starts to fall for Immy herself? Things are about to get complicated...

Genre: YA, LGBT
Series: N/A

Ames: I am all about love in all it's different facets and this one sounds interesting.

January 24

A Lady Never Surrenders by Sabrina Jeffries

published by Simon & Schuster

When the youngest Sharpe sister hatches a plan to gain marriage offers, the straight-laced Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter knows he'll do whatever it takes to ruin her scheme...

Lady Celia Sharpe hopes that if she can garner offers of marriage from several eligible gentlemen and show her grandmother she is capable of gaining a husband, she can convince Gran to rescind the marriage ultimatum for her. And if that plan doesn’t work, at least she’ll have a husband lined up. But Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter seems determined to ruin her plans by disapproving of every suitor she asks him to investigate. It’s only when she and Jackson work together to solve her parents’ murders, plunging them both into danger, that she realizes why—because the only man he wants her to marry is himself!

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Hellions at Halstead Hall, Book #5

Nath: Wow, we're at the end of this series already!! Ms Jeffries sure has been hard at work, releasing 5 books in 24 months!! And all of them have been consistently solid and I'm sure this one will be no exception :)

Ames: I want this even though I haven't read the first one. LOL I'll read it this month. I swear!

Daughters of the Centaurs by Kate Klimo
published by Random House

Malora knows what she was born to be: a horse wrangler and a hunter, just like her father. But when her people are massacred by batlike monsters called Leatherwings, Malora will need her horse skills just to survive. The last living human, Malora roams the wilderness at the head of a band of magnificent horses, relying only on her own wits, strength, and courage. When she is captured by a group of centaurs and taken to their city, Malora must decide whether the comforts of her new home and family are worth the parts of herself she must sacrifice to keep them.

Genre: YA, Fantasy
Series: Centauriad, Book #1

Nath: See, another interesting YA!! Where? Where, Ames? LOL.

Ames: I lurk! EVERYWHERE. haha

Yeah, I want this one because of the centaurs. I know PC Cast did a book with centaurs but I haven't seen them anywhere else.

January 30

The Mask of the Gladiator by Georgie Lee

published by Carina Press

Rome, 41 AD

Livia Duronius is driven to seek out a gladiator after watching him triumph in the Colosseum. His touch arouses a sense of hope she hasn't felt since Rome fell under the tyrannical rule of Caligula—and her late husband betrayed her. Though in danger of losing more than her heart, she vows to see him again, even after she learns her uncle has arranged her marriage to a senator.

Senator Titus Marius cannot resist indulging in a passionate encounter with the veiled woman who waits for him after the games, though he faces execution if his true identity is discovered. Bound by honor to wed another, and embroiled in a plot to free Rome from madness, he never expects to see the mystery woman again.

When the fates reunite them in the marriage bed, Titus vows to protect Livia at all costs—even from the lecherous eyes of the emperor...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: N/A

Ames: *sigh* I loooove gladiator romances.

January 31

She Tempts the Duke by Lorraine Heath
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)

Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is betrothed now to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution to fight for a love that could once again set him free.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Lost Lords of Pembrook, Book #1

Nath: Wooohooo, Ms Heath has a new trilogy!! This book sounds really interesting! I like the premises, because it is a little bit different as what we're used to - this time, it's 3 brothers that have a bad guardian. You know, it's usually girls that are stuck in that situation... and well, these men will not look at marriage to save them :) Anyway, looking forward to this book!

Ames: I agree Nath. It's usually girls who get stuck in bad situations. This sounds interesting.

How to Dance with a Duke by Manda Collins

published by St. Martin's Press

What’s a wallflower to do when she’s suddenly in need of a husband? Use all the pluck and moxie she can muster to get what she wants...

Miss Cecily Hurston would much rather explore the antiquities of Egypt than the uncharted territory of marriage. But the rules of her father’s exclusive academic society forbid her entrance unless she weds one of its members. To clear her ailing father’s name of a scandalous rumor, Cecily needs to gain admission into the Egyptian Club—and is willing to marry any old dullard to do it.

Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, is anything but dull. He’s a dashing and decorated war hero determined to help Cecily—even if that means looking the other way when she claims the dance card of Amelia Snow, this season’s most sought-after beauty. But Lucas has a reason for wanting Cecily to join the Egyptian Club: His brother went missing during one of Lord Hurston’s expeditions to Egypt. An alliance with the explorer’s bluestocking daughter could bring Lucas closer to the truth about what happened... or it could lead him to a more dangerous love than either he or Cecily could have imagined...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Ugly Ducklings, Book #1

Nath: I think this is Ms Collins' debut novel. What caught my attention about this one was the cover. I think it's a really nice cover LOL. Then, the blurb sounds good. Also, who doesn't have a weakness for wallflowers? :)

Ames: I have a weakness for wallflowers as well. Wallflowers and bluestockings.

Third Grave Ahead by Darynda Jones
published by St. Martin's Press

Charley Davidson—grim reaper extraordinaire, private investigator... meh—is practicing her profession under the influence, caffeine and copious amounts of it, due to an extreme desire to induce insomnia. Every time she closes her eyes, Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan, is there. Only thing is, he’s a tad peeved. She did bind for all eternity, so it’s hard blame him. But 13 days without a wink is bound to bring out the crazy in a girl. So, when a man hires her to find his wife, Charley accepts the job with one goal in mind: Put the man behind bars, and not the wet kind. She can sense the guilt waft off him and vows to find the woman’s body and prove he’s a murderer.

In the meantime, Reyes is back in prison and none too happy about it... so Charley thinks, until she is carjacked by the dark-haired rake, who swears the very man he went to prison for killing is not only alive, but close by. And he wants Charley to find him.

While a visit to her old friend Rocket sheds no light on Reyes’s situation, Charley finds out the man’s wife is still alive and time is running out. Finding her before she dies would be a miracle, but she has to try. Together with the help of a fashion-impaired receptionist named Cookie, Charley sets out to bring the bad guys to justice. She just hopes Reyes is not one of them. And that she’s not hallucinating from her self-induced bout with insomnia.

Genre: Mystery, paranormal
Series: Charley Davidson, Book #3

Nath: Ms Jones will definitively be part of my new favorite authors in 2011. Her books are crazy and fun and I can't wait to read more of Charley's adventures!! I really, really hope there's a good ending for Charley and Reyes' relationship in sight...

A Little Night Magic by Lucy March

published by St. Martin's Press

Olivia Kiskey needs a change. She’s been working at the same Nodaway Falls, New York, waffle house since she was a teenager; not a lot of upward mobility there. She’s been in love with Tobias, the cook, for the last four years; he’s never made a move.

Every Saturday night, she gathers with her three best friends—Peach, Millie, and Stacy—and drinks the same margaritas while listening to the same old stories. Intent on shaking things up, she puts her house on the market, buys a one-way ticket to Europe, and announces her plans to her friends... but then she meets Davina Granville, a strange and mystical Southern woman who shows Olivia that there is more to her life than she ever dreamed.

As Liv’s latent magical powers come to the surface, she discovers that having an interesting life is maybe not all it’s cracked up to be. The dark side of someone else’s magic is taking over good people in town, and changing them into vessels of malevolence. Unwilling to cede her home to darkness, she battles the demons of her familial past and her magical present, with those she loves at her side... and in the cross fire.

Can the most important things in life—friendship, love, magic, and waffles—get her through the worst that the universe can throw at her?

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: N/A

Nath: I first heard of this book when I was at the RT convention in Columbus in 2010 and even then, I wanted to get my hand on it, because yes you've guessed it, the heroine is a witch :) And now, it's finally being released, woohoo!! Also, having met Lucy March aka Lani Diane Rich, if this book is as funny as she is, I'm definitively in for a treat :)

By a Thread by Jennifer Estep
published by Simon & Schuster

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation.
Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin, Book #6

Nath: I'm really happy this series was extended. I love the characters of this series and hey, more of Gin and Owen together? Oh yeah, I'm in! :) The major story arc of this series was wrapped in Spider's Revenge and so, this was Ms Estep's opportunity to have something a little bit different and I hope she took it ;)

My Wicked Little Lies by Victoria Alexander

published by Kensington Zebra

Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all—a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. No one, including the man she married, suspects that she was once “Eve,” a spy for England’s most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss “Sir” prove too tempting...

Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Sinful Family Secrets, Book #2

Nath: When I stumbled across this book while browsing online for the new release, I was really surprised that Ms Alexander had another new release! Surprised, but oh so happy! Love the cover, love the blurb and love that instead of continuing the Mistress series, she's moved on to a new one :) I think it's interesting that the H/H are already married and I'm curious at the twists and turns they are going to encounter :)

Next of Kin by Sharon Sala
published by Harlequin (Mira)

Beth Venable has seen too much. Witness to a major mob hit, she's placed in protective custody until the trial. But after her third safe house is riddled with bullets, she goes off-grid to save herself. What the FBI can't do, her kinfolk will.

The beautiful but forbidding Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky welcome Beth back, dirt roads and rustic shacks a world apart from L.A. But her homecoming—even her blissful reunion with strong, silent Ryal Walker—is made bittersweet by the fight she's brought to the clan's doorstep. Hidden in a remote cabin with the man she's always wanted, Beth begins to dream of a new life: her old one. But after so long, with such dangers stalking her... impossible.

But love can distill life down to its essence: an elixir of pure hope, nerve—and the will to survive.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Rebel Ridge, Book #1

Nath: I'm a big fan of Ms Sala and Out of the Darkness will always remain a keeper. However, her latest books have all been the same and I doubt Next of Kin with its heroine is in protective custody will be different ^_^; Anyway, I'm most probably going to pick up Next of Kin, but it might not be right away.

Secrets of the Lost Summer by Carla Neggers

published by Harlequin (Mira)

A wave of hope carries Olivia Frost back to her small New England hometown nestled in the beautiful Swift River Valley. She's transforming a historic home into an idyllic getaway. Picturesque and perfect, if only the absentee owner will fix up the eyesore next door...

Dylan McCaffrey's ramshackle house is an inheritance he never counted on. It also holds the key to a generations-old lost treasure he can't resist… any more than he can resist his new neighbor. Against this breathtaking landscape, Dylan and Olivia pursue long-buried secrets and discover a mystery wrapped in a love story... past and present.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: N/A

Nath: It's been a while since I've read a RS by Ms Neggers, but for some reasons, the cover of this one caught my attention. This one sounds different from her last couple of releases, so perhaps I will get it :)

Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore
published by Grand Central Publishing

With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess...

It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn’t resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he’d fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Donovan Sisters, Book #2

Ames: I like seemingly physical fragile heroines. They indeed have plucky spirits and surprise everyone. This one sounds good. :P

Monroe: I just have to say DANG THIS IS A SLOW MONTH FOR ME! lol Which I'm totally fine with b/c Ive been SO behind on my reading. I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year!

December New Releases

2011-11-27T19:32:00.128-05:00

I remember back in October Nath and I were discussing upcoming books. We were both bemoaning the fact that December didn't seem to have that many releases. Fortunately, that is no longer the case and there is lots to look forward to! Let's hope we all get giftcards for Christmas so we can spoil ourselves a bit.

December 1

Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis
published by Grand Central Publishing

Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Lucky Harbor #3

Ames: I still haven't read the other two books in this series but I'm going to soon because this one sounds good. I like when the hero is in law enforcement. :P

Monroe: Already bought it! WOOP!

Nath: This time, I'm resisting!!

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
published by Sourcebooks Fire

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Genre: Young Adult
Series: n/a

Ames: I've already read this one for Netgalley and I thought it was super cute! I really recommend it if you want something a little bit different in your contemporary YA. A female football player!

Monroe: This one DOES sound super cute! Im not normally one for Tom Boy kinda gals but I see this one turning out great!

Nath: This book really caught my attention. First, I think the cover is awesome, but the story is also really interesting. A girl playing quarterback in a high school team? Definitively unusual premise and something that made me wanted to read Catching Jordan :)

December 5

Men Under the Mistletoe by Josh Lanyon, Harper Fox, Ava March and KA Mitchell
published by Carina Press

A man receives the gift of pleasure at the hands of two expert lovers. Boyhood sweethearts get a second chance at romance. Two very proper gentlemen indulge their forbidden desires. And a Christmas tree farmer has an epiphany. It may be cold outside but these four holiday novellas will warm you up.

Genre: M/M Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: Carina Press put out a Christmas anthology last year and it was really good. I'm really looking forward to this because all those authors are super talented.

December 6

Winning the Wallflower by Eloisa James
published by Avon Impulse

It could only happen in a fairy tale.

Lady Lucy Towerton:
Plain and tall. (According to the lady herself.)
Titled and irreproachably proper. (According to her fiancé.)

Until, overnight, she becomes

Lady Lucy Towerton:
Heiress. (Thanks to an aged aunt’s bequest.)
Belle of the ball. (So say the fortune hunters of the ton.)

In charge of her own destiny (finally!), Lucy breaks her engagement and makes up her mind never to be proper again…

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: connected to the Happily Ever After series

Ames: I loooove Eloisa James. That is all.

Monroe: OOOOOOOOooooo I WANT!!! Love a girl that takes charge and changes her life!

Nath: Ohh, sounds interesting!

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
published by Simon Pulse

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: Simon Pulse is doing something different with this book. The e-book is coming out first. The print edition of this book comes out in February 2012. I'm definitely getting this one. Jennifer Echols is an auto-buy author for me.

Nath: Definitively interesting strategy. I thought this was a novella... but it seems like a full-length novel? I think I'm going to pick this one. I've been in the mood for YA contemporary lately :)

A Placed Called Home by Jo Goodman
published by Zebra

When Thea Wyndham and Mitchell Baker learn they've been named joint guardians for their late friends' three children, they're little more than acquaintances. Barely polite acquaintances, at that. Something about Mitch's forthright intensity has always left ad exec Thea feeling off-balance, while Mitch makes no secret of his disdain when Thea offers him financial assistance if he'll take sole guardianship. Thea is far from heartless. She's just plain terrified of her new parenting responsibilities. Both she and Mitch are romantically involved with other people. Yet the more time they spend together, the less certain she is of her loyalties. There are complications and mis-steps, tears and laughter - lots of it. And somehow, through it all, the dawning realization that the last place she thought she'd find herself could be just where she belongs.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This blurb reminds me somewhat of that Katherine Heigl movie, Life As We Know It. I think this sounds cute.

Monroe: I was JUST thinking that! lol I think this one will be a winner!

Nath: I'm definitively picking this one up as it's contemporary :) I wonder if it's Ms Goodman's first contemporary romance...

Alien Proliferation by Gini Koch
published by DAW

Alien Super-Being Exterminator Kitty Katt is expecting her first baby. But the alien attacks are getting more dangerous, and now Kitty and her Alpha Centaurion husband, Jeff, have to find out who's behind the conspiracy to kill Kitty's secret agent mom and what caused Kitty's transformation into a superhuman-and they've got to do it all before the baby shower...

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Katherine "Kitty" Katt #4

Ames: I've only read the first one in this series but I loved it so. I definitely need to catch up!

Nath: Hmmmm, I still haven't read the last book in the series, Alien in the Family, so I think I'll wait before picking this one up. I like the humor, but I don't. There's something missing in my opinion.

Daybreak by Ellen Connor
published by Berkley Sensation

It's been twelve years since the Change, and Penelope Sheehan is one of the few still practicing magic for the good of humanity in this dark, dangerous world. But she needs the help of a shapeshifter named Tru, whom she knew when he was a troubled boy. But Tru is a creature of instinct and impulse, living only to satisfy his senses- ignoring the scarred heart nobody has ever reached. Fighting alongside the last holdouts of humanity, they will unleash a passion that tempts them to risk everything for love. But if they succeed, Tru and Pen hold the power to brighten the Dark Age for all time.

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Dark Age Dawning #3

Ames: I know the first few books have gotten some positive buzz around blogland. Which is why I have them in my tbr pile. I'll be keeping an eye out for this one.

Monroe: Haven't read these books but they sound good!

Nath: I still have the first one in my TBR pile ^_^; Going to wait till I read that one first LOL.

December 20

Touch of Power by Maria Snyder
published by Mira

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Genre: Fantasy Young Adult
Series: Healing #1

Nath: Yay, a new series by Ms Snyder!! I'm really looking forward to this book :) I love Ms Snyder writing and I'm excited for this release. I do wish she'll go back to the Study world eventually, but not with Opal ^_^; By the way, I wished we had a Canadian cover... The US one is okay, but the UK and Australian ones are better in my opinion.

December 27

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke
published by Avon

What happens when a woman is determined to marry the wrong man? When she just won’t listen to reason and rushes forward with wedding plans? When she just doesn’t care that she’s marrying a fortune hunting scoundrel who doesn’t love her? What’s her exasperated family supposed to do about it? Hire a different scoundrel to talk her out of it, of course.

American heiress Annabel Wheaton knows what she wants and love isn’t it. Born in a Mississippi backwater, with a twang as wide as the Delta, she wants respect to go with the millions her daddy found in a Klondike gold mine. But respect isn’t easy to come by in the closed Knickerbocker society of New York, and when the fortune-hunting Earl of Rumsford shows up, it seems like he’s just the ticket to make all Annabel’s dreams come true. When he proposes marriage, she happily agrees. That’s when the trouble starts.

Christian Du Quesne has always been trouble—a rake, a gambler, and when he was younger, a fortune hunter. He married once for the sake of the decaying family coffers, but he won’t do it again. When his older brother, the Duke of Scarborough, dies without issue, Christian become the duke and inherits a whole new pile of family debt with no way to pay it. When Annabel’s family hires him to show Annabel just what she’d be getting by marrying into Britain’s aristocratic class, he knows he’s the perfect person to talk her out of matrimony. Problem is, he only has four days to do it. Can he cause enough trouble in those four days to get her to call off the wedding?

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Abandoned at the Altar #3

Ames: I've really enjoyed this series so far and this one sounds good.

Monroe: Yet another series I havent read but sounds good!

Nath: Wooohooo! Finally, can't believe it's been almost a year since Scandal of the Year was released! I'm a bit bummed because this book seems a bit disconnected from the first two in the series. I mean, I really can't remember the hero ^_^; I know he's Aidan's best friend and he did a brief appearance at one point, but that's it... In any case, I'm really looking forward to this one, especially for the time period :)

The Pleasure of Your Kiss by Teresa Medeiros
published by Simon & Schuster

Ashton Burke is a legendary adventurer who has spent the past ten years roaming the globe to forget the girl he left behind. His devil-may-care life is interrupted when he's hired to rescue his brother's kidnapped fiancée from a sultan's harem. Too late, he discovers she is none other than Clarinda Cardew, the very same girl who made off with his jaded heart a decade ago.

The last thing Clarinda wants is to be trapped in a palace of sensual delights with the man whose irresistible kisses still haunt her sleepless nights. Although he vows he is only doing his job, Clarinda quickly realizes that allowing Ashton to rescue her may put her yearning heart in even greater peril. In a journey that takes them from the delicious intrigues of a sultan's court to the glittering ballrooms of London, Ashton and Clarinda resume the steps of their dangerous dance only to discover the most seductive pleasure of all may be love itself.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This one has me intrigued.

Nath: Ms Medeiros' books are hit and miss with me. I'm not a fan of sultans and harems... so I'm going to wait for the reviews before making a decision.

How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long
published by Avon

The Scandal Sheets call him Lord Ice...

Ruthless, cold, precise, Julian Spenser, Marquess Dryden, tolerates only the finest—in clothes, in horseflesh, in mistresses. And now he’s found the perfect bride, the one whose dowry will restore his family’s shattered legacy and bring him peace at last: the exquisite heiress Lisbeth Redmond.

She's not afraid to play with fire...

But one unforgettable encounter with Lisbeth’s paid companion, Phoebe Vale, and the Marquess is undone: this quiet girl with the wicked smile and a wit to match is the first person to see through the icy façade to the fiery man beneath. But their irresistible attraction is a torment as sweet as it is dangerous: for surrendering to their desire could mean losing everything else they ever wanted.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Pennyroyal Green #6

Ames: *sigh* Another series I'm behind in BUT I really enjoy Julie Anne's writing so yeah, looking forward to this one. LOL

The Duke is Mine by Eloisa James
published by Avon

He is a duke in search of a perfect bride. She is a lady—but a long way from perfect.

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul...

Unless it’s already too late.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Happily Ever Afters #3

Ames: Eloisa has quickly become a favorite historical author for me. In the last two years I've been savouring her books and although When Beauty Tamed the Beast wasn't my favorite of hers, I still look forward to each new release. This one is no exception. Also, that cover is nice.

Nath: Ms James' books are a bit hit and miss for me. It took me a while before I picked up When Beauty Tamed the Beast and then, after that, I had to kick myself LOL. So this time, I'm definitively picking The Duke is Mine early. Also, it seems to be based on The Princess and the Pea fairy tail. I think that's a fun one :)

The Social Climber by Candice Hern
Self-published

Jane is the daughter of a simple merchant and has unexpectedly come into a large fortune. She dreams of being a real lady, and has employed Lady Davenport and Mrs. Mulberry, widowed sisters with financial difficulties, to introduce her into Society. And they have engaged their nephew, George Kendrick, a famous arbiter of fashion, to help them turn a vulgar sow's ear into a silk purse. Jane has just been thoroughly humiliated to learn that all the expensive clothes and jewels she has decked herself out in are all wrong. She has been told she should not be so obvious in displaying her new-found wealth.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: n/a

Ames: I enjoy Candice's writing and she's been putting out her older books as e-books. Yay for us! This is a brand new book though and sounds cute.

Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith
published by Greenwillow Books

Leah has the life most high school girls would kill for—popularity, glowing grades, a rich, athletic boyfriend. So why does she feel like she can’t breathe? And why can’t she stop thinking about the boy from the country club? The one who isn’t her boyfriend, the one that her mother would never, ever approve of, the one that her perfect older sisters would never, ever look at twice. The one who is always looking back at her.

Genre: Young Adult
Series: n/a

Ames: I looove books like this, where the good girl is drawn to the bad boy. Bad boys are just YA versions of historical rakes. LOL

Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr
published by Mira

Romance under construction...

Sick of running into her cheery ex-husband and his new wife, Leslie Petruso accepts a job at the Virgin River branch of Haggerty Construction and takes the high road right out of town. Now she’s got Paul Haggerty’s business running like a well-oiled machine. In fact, things are so busy Paul jumps at the chance to hire an extra set of hands.

Just like Leslie, Conner Danson has been burned by love. But if Leslie was disappointed by her relationship going bad, Conner was decimated. He’s got no time for women…although he spends an awful lot of time pretending not to notice Leslie. And she’s pretty busy “ignoring” the chemistry between them.

According to Conner and Leslie, they have only one thing in common—they’re done with love. But everyone in Virgin River can see that things are heating up at Haggerty Construction. And as far as Paul Haggerty can tell, the best thing he can do is hang on to his hard hat and watch the sparks fly!

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Virgin River #17!

Nath: And off we're starting a new Virgin River trilogy! :) Are you ready? :) I'm most probably going to pick up Hidden Summit, just to get a feel of the new trilogy. It sounds like a nice contemporary romance.

Shadow Heir by Richelle Mead

published by Bantam Books

Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham strives to keep the mortal realm safe from trespassing entities. But as the Thorn Land's prophecy-haunted queen, there's no refuge for her and her soon-to-be-born-children when a mysterious blight begins to devastate the Otherworld...

The spell-driven source of the blight isn't the only challenge to Eugenie's instincts. Fairy king Dorian is sacrificing everything to help, but Eugenie can't trust the synergy drawing them back together. The uneasy truce between her and her shape shifter ex-lover Kiyo is endangered by secrets he can't--or won't--reveal. And as a formidable force rises to also threaten the human world, Eugenie must use her own cursed fate as a weapon--and risk the ultimate sacrifice...

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Dark Swan #4

Monroe: Im SO READY for this book! I love Dorian *sigh*

December 31

Hidden by Kelley Armstrong
published by Subterranean Press

Hiking through the snow, holiday baking and playing board games by the fire – what’s not to love about an old-fashioned family Christmas?

Werewolves Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers want to give their four-year-old twins, Kate and Logan, something their parents never had: a nice, normal holiday. No Pack responsibilities, no homicidal half-demons or power-hungry sorcerers to deal with – just the four of them, alone, at a chalet outside Ontario’s Algonquin Park.

Then a strange werewolf shows up at their door…while the town is buzzing about a young man, back from college, found half-eaten in the woods. And there’s the missing little girl...

With all the signs pointing to a rogue mutt with a taste for human flesh, Elena and Clay have no choice but to investigate. But are they the hunters – or the hunted?

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Otherworld Stories #10.4

Nath: Wooohoooo, I can't wait for Hidden!! I admit I haven't read the last two books in Women of the Otherworld series... but Hidden, that's a completely different story!! I can't wait to see Elena, Clay and the kids again :)

November New Releases

2011-11-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a good Halloween yesterday! It was good for me because it hasn't snowed yet in my neck of the woods. LOL But that means that today's the start of a new month and so here are the books we're looking forward to in November. I can't believe it's November already. And I want to apologize ahead of time for adding to your tbr pile. haha

November 01

The Next Always by Nora Robert
published by Berkley

The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it's getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett's social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there's another project he's got his eye on: the girl he's been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Inn Boonsboro trilogy, Book #1

Ames: I always look forward to Nora's contemporary romances and this one is no exception.

Nath: I know, me as well :) She is not La Nora for nothing and usually delivers :)

Monroe: This book sounds so great... NR is always so "feel good" for me!

The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas
published by Berkley

In Harmony, Texas, twenty-year-old Reagan Truman has found her place, and found her family. But with her uncle taken ill and her friend Noah lost and disheartened with his life, Reagan is afraid of ending up alone again, and she's not the only one. When a terrible storms threatens the town, the residents of Harmony are forced to think about what they really want. Because making the connections they so desperately desire means putting their hearts at risk...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Harmony series, Book #3

Nath: Been a fan of Ms Thomas for a while. I love her writing, there's just something special about it. I'm looking forward to The Comforts of Home. I thought the last book ended a bit on a cliff-hanger note and just want to see what is happening with the people of Harmony. Crossing my fingers for Reagan and Noah to find each other again.

Monroe: Ive never read this series but it sounds pretty interesting!

Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane

published by Berkley

Someone is illegally siphoning magic from the font of the Clan. When Meriel Owen, next in line to control the largest organization of witches in the country, discovers that it's the hot owner of a notorious underground club, she strikes an unusual deal that may plunge them all into the heart of darkness.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Bound by Magic series, Book #1

Ames: Lauren Dane is an auto-buy author for me. And this is the beginning of a new series and I have to say, I'm intrigued. :P

Nath: I've been meaning to read Ms Dane, but I don't know... It's just not happening. However, I have to say this one intrigues me a lot!! Hey, it has witches in it!

Monroe: I ditto Ames! lol Lauren Dane rocks and this one sounds like a winner!

Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley

Growing up in the dangerous world of the Iron Seas, the mercenary captain of the airship Lady Corsair, Yasmeen, has learned to keep her heart hard as steel. Ruthless and cunning, her only loyalty is to her ship and her crew-until one man comes along and changes everything...

Treasurehunter Archimedes Fox isn't interested in the Lady Corsair-just the captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. When it attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco- and straight into enemy hands.

Genre: Steampunk
Series: Ironseas series, Book #2

Ames: Meljean is another auto-buy author. I have The Iron Duke in my tbr pile but not having read it isn't going to keep me from getting this one! LOL

Nath: LOL, ditto for me ^_^; I had a block with The Iron Duke... but sometimes, I find that jumping in the middle of a series helps that block...

Monroe: Never read this author...maybe I should.

The Black Hawk by Joanna Bourne
published by Berkley

Attacked on a rainy London street, veteran spy Justine DeCabrillan knows only one man can help her: Hawker, who also happens to be the enemy. With London crawling with hidden assassins and someone out to frame Hawker for the assault, the two spies must work together to find who's out to destroy them...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Spymaster's Lady series, Book #4

Ames: I'm not a fan of spies but I am a fan of Joanna Bourne so I'll still get this one.

Fortune's Son by Emery Lee
published by Sourcebooks

Philip Drake, an impoverished but titled gentleman, is forced to liquidate his assets and go back to his past gaming habits in an effort to right himself. Lady Susannah Messingham is a woman with a past and nearly ten years Philip's senior. After watching him at the tables, she propositions him to teach her to win at gaming. This fascinating and original look at an uncharted aspect of English life explores a gentleman snared by gambling, the threat of debtor's prison, and the wayward lady who redeems him.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: n/a

Ames: This cover is soooo different from Emery's first book's cover (see it here). But that's ok, I'm still interested in this one.

Nath: Oh wow, indeed, a very different style of cover! But you know what they say, Ames. Don't judge a book by its cover...

If You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer
published by St. Martin's Press

If life were a fairy tale, Daisy Montgomery’s stepmother and two stepsisters would surely be cast in the wicked roles. For years, they’ve made life miserable for Daisy. But when she discovers she has a godmother, she’s determined to ask her for help. Little did Daisy expect her godmother to play matchmaker with her very own grandson—who happens to be a viscount!

A freewheeling playboy, Charles Thorpe, Viscount Lumley, is bored with his wealth-seeking female admirers. Not only that, he’s been cut off from the family coffers. One day, on a bet, he rids himself of what little money he has left in his pockets and vows to solve problems using his wits alone. But when the Impossible Bachelor is confronted with Daisy’s plan to save her castle, the payoff is more than he could have bargained for. Sometimes, if you give a girl a viscount, you just might find love...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Impossible Bachelors series, Book #4

Ames: Ok, I have a problem. I only read the first book in this series! LOL But I liked it enough that I've bought all the other books. I think this one sounds cute.

Nath: When Ms Kramer's debut novel came out, I was really interested... but I don't know, never got around to read it ^_^; This one does sound cute, but till I read that first book, it's going to wait.

The Spy Who Left Me by Gina Robinson
published by St. Martin's Press

If there’s one thing that can ruin a vacation, it’s running into your ex. Just ask Treflee Miller. If she’d only known that her husband Ty would be here in Hawaii—muscular, sun-bronzed, and infuriatingly gorgeous—she would have brought the divorce papers for him to sign. But life is full of surprises when you’re married to a world-class spy...

Ty Miller can understand why his wife is tired of playing Mrs. James Bond. He’s never home, he’s always on a mission, and he’s usually surrounded by exotic informants. He has to admit that the perfect spy makes a pretty lousy husband. But for the sake of Ty’s security and Treflee’s safety, they can’t blow his cover. Not here. Not now. Not when his longing is so strong, her lips so tempting—and his enemies so close...

Genre: Contemporary romance, Romantic Suspense (?)
Series: Agent Ex series, Book #1

Nath: I was looking at the upcoming releases and this one really caught my attention. This sounds funny and exactly something I'd love to read :) Hopefully, it'll be a winner :)

Monroe: This book sounds fun!

Hide from Evil by Jami Alden
published by Grand Central Publishing

Like a chess master, he carefully weighs his next move... advancing slowly until he is sure he can capture his helpless pawn. For in his mind, there's no way to...

HIDE FROM EVILSean Flynn should feel lucky he's alive. But a betrayal by a close friend-and two years on death row-has left him feeling only numb. When his conviction was overturned, Sean retreated to a quiet woodland cabin, far away from prying eyes. There, he believed, the past couldn't come back to haunt him... until she showed up.

Overcome with guilt, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Krista Slater can't forgive herself for convicting an innocent man. But when another brutal murder reveals chilling, new facts about his case, she must turn to Sean for help. She's ready to face his anger, but the desire in his eyes ignites a need she's never felt before. Shadowed by danger, Sean and Krista uncover a twisted maze of deception and betrayal-all under the dangerous gaze of a cunning mastermind who will do whatever it takes to keep his evil secrets safe.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Evil trilogy, Book #2

Nath: Hmmm, I'm a bit wary about this one. I liked Beg for Mercy well enough - mostly skimmed through it though. I enjoyed Ms Alden's writing and the suspense of the book... However, Hide from Evil has a story trope which is not necessarily one that I enjoy in RS. Still, whenever I'll be in the mood for RS, I should pick up this. Am I making sense?

Wanted by her Lost Love by Maya Banks
published by Harlequin

Despite his fiancée's chilling betrayal, developer Ryan Beardsley provided for Kelly Christian when he sent her packing. So he's livid to find her working in a dingy Houston diner, desperate and pregnant. Regardless of whether the baby is his—or his brother's—Ryan demands that Kelly return to New York with him. Now. For the baby's sake. Or maybe because the woman's as irresistible as ever...

Genre: Category romance, Contemporary romance
Series: Pregnancy & Passion series, Book #2

Ames: It's Maya!

Monroe: Woop Maya Banks!

All They Need by Sarah Mayberry
published by Harlequin

After all Melanie Porter has been through recently, it's time to put her dreams first. And she starts by opening a vacation retreat outside of Melbourne. As she considers her next step, the unexpected happens. One of her guests—a friend—the very attractive Flynn Randall makes it clear he's in pursuit.
Mel is definitely tempted. Who wouldn't be?

But Flynn comes with strings that could derail her plans. First, he's part of the world she eagerly left behind. Second, he's ready for a commitment, while she's still embracing life on her own.

A resolution seems impossible until Flynn proves that she's still in the driver's seat!

Genre: Category romance, contemporary romance
Series: none

Ames: This one sounds so cute, and I love friends-to-lovers, which Sarah does so well. :P

Nath: I'll probably wait for reviews for this one, but it does sound good :)

November 22

To Wed a Wild Lord by Sabrina Jeffries
published by Simon & Schuster

Drowning in guilt over his best friend's death seven years ago, Lord Gabriel Sharpe, the Angel of Death, knows his only hope at redemption is a race against a shocking opponent.

Shrouded in darkness for the past seven years, the infamous racer Lord Gabriel Sharpe is known to accept every challenge to race thrown at him. When his next challenge comes in the form of his late best friend's sister, Virginia Waverly, Gabe is shocked. Yet she presents just the opportunity Gabe needs--marriage to fulfill his grandmother's ultimatum and ensure his inheritance. What he didn't count on was needing her love.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Hellions of Halstead Hall series, Book #4

Ames: I want this one. But I haven't even read the other books in this series yet!!

Nath: LOL, will you go back and read the first three books then? I'm looking forward to this one. I think it'll be interested. Gabe has been haunted by the death of his best friend and I'm sure there's more to it than meet the eye. So it'll be interesting :)

Lord of the Abyss by Nalini Singh
published by Harlequin

Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out...

As the dark Lord who condemns souls to damnation in the Abyss, Micah is nothing but a feared monster wrapped in impenetrable black armor. He has no idea he is the last heir of Elden, its last hope. Only one woman knows—the daughter of his enemy.

Liliana is nothing like her father, the Blood Sorcerer who’d cursed Micah. She sees past Micah’s armor to the prince inside. A prince whose sinful touch she craves. But first she has to brave his dark, dangerous lair and help him remember. Because they only have till midnight to save Elden.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Royal House of Shadows series, Book #4

Ames: It's Nalini. 'Nuff said.

Nath: I've never read Ms Singh's Harlequin books... This is still paranormal, so not too far from Ms Singh's niche... I'm most probably going to give it a try. Not sure if I'll go back and read the previous books in the series though.

Ames: I was pondering that too, but I probably won't. LOL

Monroe: WHY DONT I KNOW ABOUT THIS SERIES?!?! I love Nalini!

Saint's Astray by Jacqueline Carey
published by Grand Central Publishing

Fellow orphans, amateur vigilantes, and members of the Santitos, Loup Garron-the fugitive daughter of a genetically engineered "wolf man"-and Pilar Ecchevarria grew up in the military zone of Outpost 12, formerly known as Santa Olivia. But now they're free, and they want to help the rest of the Santitos escape. During a series of escapades, they discover that Miguel, Loup's former sparring partner and reprobate surrogate brother, has escaped from Outpost 12 and is testifying on behalf of its forgotten citizens-at least until he disappears from protective custody. Honor drives Loup to rescue Miguel, even though entering the U.S could mean losing her liberty. Pilar vows to help her.

It will take a daring and absurd caper to extricate Miguel from the mess he's created but Loup is prepared to risk everything... and this time she has help.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal
Series: Santa Olivia #2

Ames: I love Jacqueline Carey. I haven't read Santa Olivia yet but Jacqueline is an auto-buy author for me.

November 29

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
published by Berkley

Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Edge series, Book #3

Nath: I love, love, love the Kate Daniels series, but have yet to be won over by The Edge series. However, I remember that I only fell in love with Kate Daniels with book #3... so I hope Fate's Edge will have the same magic. The fact that I already like Kaldar seems like a good sign LOL.

Silver Sparks by Starr Ambrose
published by Simon & Schuster

The Larkin sisters are used to hearing whispers behind their backs. Being raised by hippie parents in the small resort town of Barringer’s Pass, Colorado, they were always considered oddballs, and for a while, they did everything they could to earn the name. But now, older and wiser, they're discovering that it's not so great to be the wild child, and are struggling to earn a new place for themselves in town.

When Maggie Larkin resists the come-ons of a sleazy actor in town to shoot a film, she pisses off more than a pretty boy and his manager. Turns out that Rafe DeLuca isn't just a movie star...he's possibly a killer, and Maggie's landed herself in more trouble than she could imagine. Enter Cal Drummond, cop extraordinaire, who's been trailing DeLuca himself for weeks, convinced that his recently murdered sister is one of Rafe's victims. He's determined not to let another woman be victimized by the dangerous Rafe, and if that means sticking like glue to Maggie, so be it.

Maggie and Cal seem like perfect opposites, but as we all know...opposites attract!

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: I've read Ms Ambrose before and I like her stuff. It's not extraordinaire, but it's enjoyable :) I might not get this one right away, but it'll be on my radar... Plus, I love the cover for some reasons. I guess it's the dress LOL.

Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

published by Kensington

Logan Quinn was trying to kill me. My Spartan classmate relentlessly pursued me, swinging his sword at me over and over again, the shining silver blade inching closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes practically glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Academy, and I have no idea how I’m going to survive the rest of the semester. One day, I’m getting schooled in swordplay by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gorgeous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invisible archer in the Library of Antiquities decides to use me for target practice. And now, I find out that someone at the academy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword...

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Mythos Academy series, Book #2

Nath: I really need to review Touch of Frost before Kiss of Frost comes out. Guess I have a month :) I'm a fan of Ms Estep, plus I enjoyed Touch of Frost... so I"m definitively picking this one :)

Monroe: This sounds good! Right up my alley!

That's what we're looking forward to. How about you?

October New Releases

2011-10-01T08:52:00.000-04:00

September was really a blur ^_^; Went by so fast! Hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy October at a more leisurely pace LOL. There are some good new releases this month, but it's all spaced out I think, so that'll be a good thing :)

October 1

Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves
published by Grand Central Publishing

He's the man of her dreams...

In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can.

She just doesn't know it yet

When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker-especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her-and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Graves books in the past. Her latest, Black Ties and Lullabies, was just okay, but I have higher hopes for this one :) Especially since the reviews so far have been pretty favorable :)

Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley

published by Grand Central Publishing

What if you can go home again?
Ten years and two hundred miles. That's what separates Andi Powell from quiet, secluded Emerald Lake-and that's exactly how she likes it. But now her job brings her back to the hometown she's tried so hard to forget... and to Nate Duncan, the man she's never been able to.

Nate once looked at Andi with love in his eyes. But that was before she left him in the dust to pursue her big-city dreams. Now he's the town's ruggedly handsome mayor with the power to break Andi's career like she broke his heart. As the two clash over the future of Emerald Lake, the sparks that fly between them rekindle a passion neither of them can deny.

Andi may have left town looking for the life she thought she wanted. But could everything she needs have been in Emerald Lake all along?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Emerald Lake series, Book #1

Nath: Hmmmm, I have to admit I might be over small-town romances ^_^; I mean, there's just so many these days! However, it seems if you want contemporary romances, this is the way to go... However, I think this sounds pretty good as blurbs go.

Blood Rights by Kristen Painter
published by Orbit

The lacy gold mapped her entire body. A finely-wrought filigree of stars, vines, flowers, butterflies, ancient symbols and words ran from her feet, up her legs, over her narrow waist, spanned her chest and finished down her arms to the tips of her fingers.

Born into a life of secrets and service, Chrysabelle’s body bears the telltale marks of a comarré—a special race of humans bred to feed vampire nobility. When her patron is murdered, she becomes the prime suspect, which sends her running into the mortal world... and into the arms of Malkolm, an outcast vampire cursed to kill every being from whom he drinks.

Now Chrysabelle and Malkolm must work together to stop a plot to merge the mortal and supernatural worlds. If they fail, a chaos unlike anything anyone has ever seen will threaten to reign.

Genre: Gothic Urban Fantasy
Series: House of Comarré, Book #1

Nath: Okay, did you see the cover?!? Isn't it just awesome? Now, I'm not sure I'll get it... but I'm definitively going to keep an eye out for reviews :)

October 4

Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

published by Berkley

She’s tempting his basic instincts...

Sunshine, Idaho, is a quiet ranching town, a perfect place to give injured animals a refuge... or to find one. And veterinarian Dell Connelly suspects there’s a reason his clinic’s uber-efficient receptionist has taken shelter here.

Jade Bennett couldn’t be happier to escape her well-meaning but smothering family and their expectations, not to mention the big-city jungle. There’s nothing like working with injured animals, having a forlorn, grumpy stray kitten make its home under her desk... or enjoying the gorgeous views of her ruggedly sexy boss.

Jade is used to planning everything in her life, but Dell’s understanding has sparked an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass is the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Animal series, Book #2

Ames: Jill is an auto-buy author for me. And two friends have already read this and said it was really good. Win!

Monroe: Jill is an auto buy for me as well! =)

Nath: I'm still debating. Ms Shalvis' writing is really good, but for me, her books always fell a bit short ^_^; I was not going to buy this... but in Animal Magnetism, my favorite characters were Jade and Dell... So yeah, I might go ahead in the end LOL. You're always hoping for an exception and this might be it :)

Sage Creek by Jill Gregory
published by Berkley

After her marriage falls apart, Sophie McPhee returns to her hometown of Lonesome Way, Montana, planning to steer clear of men and focus on her new bakery, A Bun in the Oven. Who she doesn't expect to see is Rafe Tanner, her first crush who now runs his family's ranch-and who spent most of their childhood ignoring her. But is Rafe a changed man?

While Rafe is stunned to discover that Sophie's grown into an irresistibly beautiful woman, he's been hurt too. They both have their guards up, but melt in each other's company. Can they admit that home is truly where the heart is?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Sage Creek series, Book #1

Nath: Yet another small-town contemporary romance. As I said, I'm starting to burn out on these, but still going to keep an eye on them. I mean, you never know right? I like that the heroine is opening a bakery. I'm having a sweet tooth lately, LOL.

Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy

published by Berkley

As a tribute to her late journalist father, Tuesday Jones is planning a career benefit, auctioning off racing memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers. Ex-racing star Diesel Lange has had his own brush with death, and is determined not to waste another minute of his life - especially when he meets Tuesday. He wants nothing more than to shift their romance into high gear, but he knows she’s still grieving. Can Diesel do the one thing he could never do on the track and take it slow?

Genre: Contemporary, sport romance
Series: Fast Track series, Book #5

Ames: I am two books behind in this series. Do I care? NO! haha

Monroe: You should care missy because I LOVE this series...it NEVER gets old! ;) HOT HOT HOT!

Nath: I didn't read the last book in this series, but for some reasons, I can't wait to get Slow Ride in my hands! I like the idea of a retired racer hero :P Also, Tuesday has been pretty intriguing... Also, you know what you get with a book by Ms McCarthy: something HOT :P

Serpent's Kiss by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley

In order to save his friend's life, Wyr sentinel Rune Ainissesthai made a bargain with Vampyre Queen Carling—without knowing what she would ask from him in return. But when Rune attempts to make good on his debt, he finds a woman on the edge.

Recently, Carling's Power has become erratic, forcing her followers to flee in fear. Despite the danger, Rune is drawn to the ailing Queen and decides to help her find a cure for the serpent's kiss—the vampyric disease that's killing her.

With their desire for each other escalating just as quickly as Carling's instability spirals out of control, the sentinel and the Queen will have to rely on each other if they have any hope of surviving the serpent's kiss...

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Elder Races, Book #3

Ames: I finally read Dragon Bound in September (and got Monroe to read it too) and I loved it. So even though I haven't read book 2, I'm still going to buy book 3. Again, friends have said it was good.

Monroe: YES Ames got me to read this and OMG it was the BEST book EVER!!!! I already bought the second book (but havent read it yet). I have to say I fell for Rune in the first book even though he wasnt a huge character. I cant wait for this book!

Nath: Well, unfortunately, this series hasn't been doing it for me as it's doing it for most readers. I liked Dragon Bound enough to pick up Storm's Heart, but after Storm's Heart, I'm having doubts. I've heard that Serpent's Kiss is better... but at the moment, I just find there's too much hype with these books so I'm going to pass over. I'll probably pick up Serpent's Kiss one day when I'll be bored :)

Angel of Darkness by Ilona Andrews, Meljean Brook, Sharon Shinn and Nalini Singh
published by Berkley

Alphas: Origins
When a young woman is taken captive by a dangerous male, she is pulled against her will into a world hidden from humanity’s view, where those with superhuman powers fight a bloody civil war. Now she must make a choice: to submit and become a pawn or to take hold of her own destiny.

Ascension
When vampires begin disappearing from a community protected by Guardian Marc Revoire, the world-weary warrior doesn’t know whether he’s hunting a demon or one of the bloodthirsty nosferatu — but he’d rather face either of those monsters than accept help from Radha, the irreverent, blue-skinned, and oft-naked Guardian who’d once loved him and left him. He won’t be able to persuade her to leave this time, however, because lighthearted Radha is on a deadly serious mission of her own: not just to help Marc save the community... but to save him.

Genre: Paranormal romance/Urban Fantasy
Series: Alphas - Book 0.5, The Guardians - Book #7.5 and Guild Hunter - Book #4.5

Ames: With so many great authors in this anthology how could I say no? I can't!

Monroe: Singh = SOLD!

Nath: This is a top-notch anthology!! I'm curious about Ms Andrews' new series, there's a Guardian story in this!! and Ms Singh! Definitively getting it :)

A Touch of Crimson by Sylvia Day
published by New American Library (Signet)

Can a love that transcends death survive a war between angels, vampires, and lycans?

Adrian Mitchell is an angel of immense power and insatiable desire. Leading an elite Special Ops unit of the Seraphim, his task is to punish the Fallen—angels who have become vampires—and command a restless pack of indentured lycans.

But Adrian has suffered his own punishment for becoming involved with mortals—losing the woman he loves again and again. Now, after nearly two hundred years, he has found her—Shadoe, her soul once more inhabiting a new body with no memory of him. Only this time he won’t let her go.

With no memory of her past as Shadoe, Lindsay Gibson only knows she can't help being fiercely attracted to the smoldering, seductive male who crosses her path. Swept into a dangerous world of tumultuous passion and preternatural conflict, Lindsay is soon caught in the middle between her angel lover, her vampire father, and a full-blown lycan revolt. There's more at stake than her love and her life—this time she could lose her very soul...

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Renegade Angels, Book #1

Ames: Sylvia Day's historicals are some of my favorite ever and I actually received this one from Book Binge to read (which I am right now) and I'm really enjoying it so far.

Monroe: Ya...so I LOVE Sylvia Day and I went ahead and bought this book thinking I'd start it tonight...only to realize I bought the pre-order...the dang thing isnt out yet! lol Anyways it sounds so tasty...I do believe Sylvia JUST posted a yummy excerpt from the book so run to her blog and enjoy the preview! ;)

Nath: To my regret, I must admit that I've never read Ms Day's books - despite Ames' urging LOL. I was going to pass on this one when I remember this is the series Ms Day was talking about at RT 2010. I'm a sucker for reincarnation, eternal love... so yeah, I'll be getting this one :)

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

published by Hyperion

In The Lost Hero, three demigods named Jason, Piper, and Leo made their first visit to Camp Half-Blood, where they inherited a quest:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Who are the other four mentioned in the prophecy? The answer may lie in another camp miles away, where a new camper has shown up and appears to be the son of Neptune, god of the sea...

Demigod Percy Jackson, still with no memory, and his new friends from Camp Jupiter, Hazel and Frank, go on a quest to free Death, but their bigger task is to unite the Greek and Roman camps so that the Prophecy of Seven can be fulfilled.

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventures
Series: Heroes of Olympus, Book #2

Ames: Gotta buy this one for my bro! LOL I do plan on reading this author one day. *sigh* One day...

Nath: LOL, I'm going to buy this for myself! I've really been enjoying this series and yay, we finally find out what's been happening to Percy!! Seriously, a year in between books is way too long.

October 11

Kingdom of Gods by N.K. Jemison
published by Orbit

For two thousand years the Arameri family has ruled the world by enslaving the very gods that created mortalkind. Now the gods are free, and the Arameri’s ruthless grip is slipping. Yet they are all that stands between peace and world-spanning, unending war.

Shahar, last scion of the family, must choose her loyalties. She yearns to trust Sieh, the godling she loves. Yet her duty as Arameri heir is to uphold the family’s interests, even if that means using and destroying everyone she cares for.

As long-suppressed rage and terrible new magics consume the world, the Maelstrom — which even gods fear — is summoned forth. Shahar and Sieh: mortal and god, lovers and enemies. Can they stand together against the chaos that threatens the Kingdom of the Gods?

Genre: Fantasy
Series: The Inheritance trilogy, Book #3

Ames: I really enjoyed the first book in this trilogy. And it's a trilogy so I gotta get the third book.

October 18

Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

published by Grand Central Publishing

Can a pirate learn that the only true treasure lies in a woman's heart?

Widowed Silence Hollingbrook is impoverished, lovely, and kind—and nine months ago she made a horrible mistake. She went to a river pirate for help in saving her husband and in the process made a bargain that cost her her marriage. That night wounded her so terribly that she hides in the foundling home she helps run with her brother. Except now that same river pirate is back... and he's asking for her help.

"Charming" Mickey O'Connor is the most ruthless river pirate in London. Devastatingly handsome and fearsomely intelligent, he clawed his way up through London's criminal underworld. Mickey has no use for tender emotions like compassion and love, and he sees people as pawns to be manipulated. And yet he's never been able to forget the naive captain's wife who came to him for help and spent one memorable night in his bed... talking.

When his bastard baby girl was dumped in his lap—her mother having died—Mickey couldn't resist the Machiavellian urge to leave the baby on Silence's doorstep. The baby would be hidden from his enemies and he'd also bind Silence to him by her love for his daughter.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Maiden Lane series, Book #3

Ames: This one sounds so good. A pirate, a widow, all good things. Elizabeth Hoyt is an autobuy author for me.

A Home by the Sea by Christina Skye
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

Grace Lindstrom has followed her fiancé across three continents, starry-eyed and full of dreams. But when he dies in a plane crash, Grace discovers that their life together was the cruelest kind of lie—and swears to never lose herself to that kind of love again. Until one night, when a chance encounter leads her to the kind of man she's always dreamed of—and the deep family ties she's never known.

Noah McKay knows he can't offer Grace any kind of future—not when he spends every day putting his life on the line. But when Grace's grandfather suddenly falls ill and she's called home to the small island town where she grew up, he realizes he can't live without her. Aided by good knitting, good chocolate and deep friendship, Grace is slowly learning to trust again—but can she learn to love a man whose secrets run so deep?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Nath: This one caught my eyes. The blurb is interesting and I'm really hoping I'll enjoy it :)

October 25

The Fall of Lucas Kendrick by Kay Hooper

published by Bantam Books

Kyle Griffon has done more than flirt with danger over the past ten years; she’s embraced it with careless abandon. The rebel daughter of a powerful family, she’s walked on the wild side of everything from car racing to hang gliding—anything to fill the emptiness left by the man who loved and left her. Now Lucas Kendrick is back, needing Kyle’s help to catch an art thief. Is a woman game for adventure ready to trust the man who left her with so many unanswered questions?

Lucas was an undercover cop working a college drug ring when he fell for the beautiful coed. It was a mistake to leave, but he would have hurt her more if he had stayed. Now she’s his best shot at getting close to a man trading illegal guns for stolen artwork. Danger and desire are a reckless mix—but this time Lucas is staying close to protect the woman he loves... no matter what.

Genre: Contemporary romance, category romance, romantic suspense
Series: Hagen series, Book #5

Nath: This is a reprint. Yes, still on my quest to collecting all of Ms Hooper's books. I've been enjoying these books... but I'm hoping Ms Hooper will resume her FBI SCU series soon!!

The Famous Heroine and The Plumed Bonnet by Mary Balogh
published by Bantam Books

THE FAMOUS HEROINE
Cora Downes has beauty, spirit, and money, but no breeding. Yet when she gains renown for a daring rescue, she finds herself thrust into high society. Innocent and adrift in a world of beautiful banquets, bejeweled gowns, and snobbish standards, Cora is quickly compromised into a marriage-to a frivolous lord whose interests seem to lie elsewhere. But could piercingly blue-eyed and well-mannered Francis Kneller turn out to be the most unexpected love of her life?

THE PLUMED BONNET
Alistair Munro, the Duke of Bridgwater, is looking for love outside the bounds of polite society. And that's what he expects to receive when he rescues a seemingly disreputable girl in a colorful bonnet off the side of the road. Yet Stephanie Gray, a former governess, has recently come into money and is eager for a proper match with a well-born man. Sure that he's sullied her name, Alistair offers marriage to make amends. And in this unlikely union, Stephanie and Alistair make a welcome discovery-that sometimes it's possible to marry first, then fall in love.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Dark Angels, Books #3 and #4

Ames: Kind of funny, but I just bought The Plumed Bonnet not too long ago, like the old retro copy.

Nath: I'm on a Mary Balogh binge. After resisting years to read her, now I'm devouring her historical romances ^_^; and LOL, I don't have to patience to hunt for old retro copies like Ames :)

Never Love a Highlander by Maya Banks

published by Ballantine Books

Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.

As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

Genre: Historical romance - highlander
Series: McCabe trilogy, Book #3

Ames: It's Maya Banks! I don't need to say anything else.

Monroe: Ditto Ames comment! ;)

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking... something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: none

Ames: Although Kristan's last book didn't get the greatest reviews (so I haven't read it yet) I'm looking forward to this one.

Nath: I've heard that Ms Higgins is changing up things and this book is written at the 3rd POV!! Wooohooo! I'm hoping that soon, Ms Higgins will cross the line from chick-lit-y to contemporary romance :)

Real Men Will by Victoria Dahl

published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

It was meant to be a one-night stand. One night of passion. Scorching hot. Then Beth Cantrell and Eric Donovan were supposed to go their separate ways. That’s the only reason he lied about his name, telling her he was really his wild younger brother. Hiding his own identity as the conservative Donovan. The “good” one.

But passion has its own logic, and Eric finds he cannot forget the sable-haired beauty with whom he shared one night of passion. When Beth discovers that Eric has lied, however, she knows he cannot be trusted. Her mind tells her to forget the blue-eyed charmer. If only every fiber of her being did not burn to call him back.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery trilogy, Book #3

Ames: I read Good Girls Don't and enjoyed it. I'm curious about Eric's story.

Monroe: I love Dahl so its sold for me!

Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr
published by Harlequin (Mira)

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list—getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago, Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It's time she got over her silly high-school relationship and moved on.

So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother's men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.

As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. And the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Virgin River series, Book #14

Nath: Yep, time for my Robyn Carr fix :) Denny is getting his story and I think this is going to be a cute story to put me in the mood of Christmas :)

Destined by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

published by St. Martin's Press

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet - which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together - if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow...

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia's handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there's the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more - or possibly less - than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there's something strangely familiar about him...

Will Neferet's true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox's humanity in time to protect him - and everyone - from his own fate? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: House of Night series, Book #9

Ames: I'm sooo behind in this series! But I still gotta get this book. LOL No self-control.

Monroe: Im only one book behind in this series and I cant wait to pick it back up! Stark is hunky lol (I do believe this is Eric on the cover though...hmmm....)

***

When starting the list, it felt like October was a slow month... I guess not LOL. So, what do you think? Did we forget any releases? :)

September New Releases

2011-09-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's September already!!! This means the summer is almost over. Boooo!!! However, it seems the publishers are trying to cheer us up by releasing some good books :) Hey a month that has Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook, J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts and Jennifer Estep is a gooood month for me LOL.

Ready to see what else there is? Also, let us know what is going to cheer you up! :)

September 6

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past…but Dmitri’s need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel’s right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality…the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting…and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more…

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Guild Hunter, Book #4

Ames: Even though I haven't read the third book, I'm still going to buy this one. Nalini is definitely an auto-buy author for me!

Nath: Me too! I'm not a huge fan of Dmitri and I prefer the Psy-Changelings series; however, I'm sure that Archangel's Blade is going to be a good and solid read :)

Monroe: I was a bit thrown when I realized it was Dimitri's book but whatevs...I love this series and I love Nalini!

Demon Marked by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley

Nicholas St. Croix is familiar with the evil of demons. After his father’s death, a demon took over his mother’s body and raised him. Six years ago, his “mother” was responsible for the disappearance of the woman he loved, and Nicholas swore he’d find her—even if he had to go to Hell and back. Except she finds him first—and with one tormented kiss, he knows she too is a demon. Now he is determined to take his revenge…

Ash is a half-demon with no memory of her past or how she got to Hell. All she knows is that Nicholas St. Croix holds the key to her identity. And though he’s clearly drawn to her, Nicholas makes no secret of his distrust of her. Yet one kiss at a time, he breaks down her defenses as they battle an array of demons and Guardians. But is Ash’s greatest enemy the man at her side?

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: The Guardians, Book #7

Ames: I've read the first three books in this series, so I'm only 4 behind now! LOL Meljean is also an auto-buy. :P

Nath: I'm sooooo looking forward to this book!! I just can't wait! This one sounds awesome and I'm curious to see Nicholas St. Croix as a hero... he was a bit of a jerk in Demon Blood, but jerks usually turn into great heroes.! So I'm really excited! The only thing I'm not sure though... How can Ash be a half-demon? I'm sure Ms Brook will come up with an explanation :)

Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman
published by Berkley

Bode DeLong knows that his playboy brother Bram isn't really in love with Miss Comfort Kennedy, even though it's clear that she's enamored with him. With Bram's motives for the engagement suspect, Bode figures the safest place for Comfort to be is in his arms. Now, Bode just needs to convince Comfort that the childhood fancy she has for his brother is no match for the incredible desire that sparks between them every time they touch.

Genre: Western romance
Series: None

Ames: I love Jo Goodman's books and this one really looks interesting.

Nath: I'm not sure yet for this one. The blurb does sound pretty good though...

Never Enough by Lauren Dane
published by Berkley Trade

Gillian Forrester spent her life running... until Miles came along. The moment she held her older sister's unwanted newborn, Gillian stopped running and began building a life for her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, Gillian's sister reveals the father's identity on her deathbed-a revelation that shakes Gillian to her core.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. It takes a lot to shock him-but the bombshell that he has a son rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the buttoned-up elegant woman who's raising him ignites his erotic and romantic attention-and engages his heart.

Genre: Contemporary, erotica romance
Series: Brown Siblings, Book #4

Ames: *sigh* Another series I'm behind on, but it's Lauren Dane so there's no doubt I'm getting it!

Monroe: Haven't read this series but it has to be a winner...its Lauren Dane!

Enticed by his Forgotten Lover by Maya Banks
published by Harlequin

"Have we met?"
Answer: a right hook! Because Bryony Morgan pulls no punches. Even when she's very pregnant and facing down the father of her unborn child. She fell for wealthy hotelier Rafael de Luca when he courted her for her beachfront real estate. Then he disappeared. Now, she's in New York for answers—and she won't accept a brush–off.

But selective amnesia after a crash has Rafael puzzled. How could he ever forget a combustible beauty like Bryony? Solution: return to the island where they met, and relive the unforgettable nights in question—until he remembers everything...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: -

Ames: It's Maya. 'Nuff said.

Monroe: What she said ;)

Prey by Linda Howard
published by Ballantine Books

Thirty-two-year-old Angie Powell has always spoken her mind, but in the presence of Dare Callahan she nurses a simmering rage. After all, why give Dare the satisfaction of knowing he can push her buttons and push her to the edge?

Three years ago, Dare returned home to rural western Montana and opened a hunting business to rival Angie’s. Complicating matters is the fact that Dare has asked Angie out (not once but twice) and has given her a gift of butterflies in the process. Angie has no patience for butterflies. They only lead to foolish decisions. And now the infuriatingly handsome Iraq war vet has siphoned away Angie’s livelihood, forcing her to close up shop.

Before Angie is to leave town, she organizes one last trip into the wilderness with a client and his guest, who wants to bag a black bear. But the adrenaline-fueled adventure turns deadly when Angie witnesses a cold-blooded murder and finds herself on the wrong side of a loaded gun. Before the killer can tie up this attractive loose end, a bear comes crashing through the woods—changing the dark game completely.

Luckily, Dare is camping nearby and hears the shots. Forced together for their very survival, Angie and Dare must confront hard feelings, a blinding storm, and a growing attraction—while being stalked by a desperate killer and a ferocious five-hundred-pound beast. And neither will stop until they reach their prey.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery/Thriller
Series: -

Nath: I'm going to wait for reviews before getting Prey... but it is on my radar. I like that there's already tension between the H/H. We'll see how it turns out :)

Monroe: While I L-O-V-E Linda Howard, I don't always love Romance/Suspense...never enough lovin' in them for me...maybe I'll get to this one...maybe not.

Romancing the Countess by Ashley March
published by St. Martin's Press

Sebastian Madinger, the Earl of Wriothesly, thought he'd married the perfect woman-until a fatal accident revealed her betrayal with his best friend. After their deaths, Sebastian is determined to avoid a scandal for the sake of his son. But his best friend's widow is just as determined to cast her mourning veil aside by hosting a party that will surely destroy both their reputations and expose all of his carefully kept secrets...

Leah George has carried the painful knowledge of her husband's affair for almost a year. All she wants now is to enjoy her independence and make a new life for herself-even if that means being ostracized by the Society whose rules she was raised to obey. Now that the rumors are flying, there's only one thing left for Sebastian to do: silence the scandal by enticing the improper widow into becoming a proper wife. But when it comes to matters of the heart, neither Sebastian nor Leah is prepared for the passion they discover in each other's arms...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Romancing, Book #2

Ames: I read Ashley's first book and although it didn't wow me, I still want to give her another chance.

September 13

Secret Weapon by Opal Carew
published by St. Martin's Press

There’s only one thing hotter than a man in uniform…when he takes it off.

Threesomes and men of the law have always been two of Janine’s biggest turn-ons. So when her boyfriend offers to invite one of his buddies from the police force into their bedroom, it’s an offer she can’t refuse. But when the extra man shows up, the last thing she expects is for it to be Sloan Granger—a man from her past.

Janine is the one woman who Sloan’s never been able to forget, and now that their worlds have collided, he has a second chance to win her back. Even though she refuses to let him back into her life, he’s determined to change her mind—no matter what the cost. His love for her has always been his greatest weakness, but this time, it’s also his most powerful weapon...

Genre: Erotica romance
Series: -

Ames: How hot does this one sound?

Nath: Very!!

Monroe: Never read this author but last time Ames visited me she left me Six (which I still need to read). So I guess Ill see how I like that one then maybe move to this one.

Perfect by Ellen Hopkins
published by Margaret K. McElderry

Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes that to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never have understood.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect?

A riveting and startling companion to the bestselling Impulse, Ellen Hopkins's Perfect exposes the harsh truths about what it takes to grow up and grow into our own skins, our own selves.

Genre: YA
Series: Impulse, Book #2

Ames: I've been wanting to try Ellen Hopkins for a while and this one sounds really interesting.

New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb
published by Putnam

The number-one New York Times-bestselling author J. D. Robb presents an intense and terrifying new case for New York homicide cop Eve Dallas, one that will take her all the way to the city that gave her her name-and plunge her into the nightmares of her childhood.

When a monster named Isaac McQueen-taken down by Eve back in her uniform days-escapes from Rikers, he has two things in mind. One is to pick up where he left off, abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. The other is to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Mystery/Thriller, Futuristic
Series: In Death series, Book #33

Nath: I'm really looking forward to this book. While the last few installments have been solid, they haven't wowed me... With this one-time only name change in the title, well expectations are up :)

September 15

A Lily Among Thorns by Rose Lerner
published by Dorchester

Her Savior

It was him. Serena couldn't breathe. She'd been looking for him for years—the man who'd lifted her out of the dregs of London's underworld. She remembered that he'd looked like an angel. But either she'd embellished or he'd grown up. Because he didn't look like an angel now. He looked like a man, solid and broad, and taller than she'd thought. And now he needed her help.

His Siren

Solomon recognized her as soon as they were alone in the dark. He'd not forgotten that night five years ago either. But Serena had changed. She was stronger, fiercely independent and, though it hardly seemed possible, even more beautiful. She was also neck-deep in trouble. Yet he'd help cook a feast for the Prince Regent, take on a ring of spies, love her well into the night—anything to convince her that this time he was here to stay.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Ames: I really enjoyed Rose's first book and have been awaiting the release of this novel. :P

Nath: I enjoyed her debut novel as well and wouldn't mind giving this book a try. The only draw-back is that it's trade-size...

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper

published by Sourcebooks

England, 1888. The trees are green, the birds are singing, and in 200 years demons will destroy it all. Unless Joan, a rough-around-the-edges assassin from the future, can take out the dark magician responsible. But to get close to her target she'll need help learning how to fit into society.

Simon has his own reasons for wanting to destroy Alex Reynell, and Joan may be his perfect revenge. But as each day passes, Simon is less sure he wants her anywhere near Reynell. Because no spell in the world will save his future if she isn't in it.

Genre: Time-travel
Series: -

Nath: I saw this book in Leslie's sidebar and googled it right away. It's the cover that caught my interest, but I have to say, the blurb sounds good as well!! It reminds me a bit of Terminator, but I think it'll be much sexier LOL. Also loved that it's a female assassin... Yes, that's one of my weaknesses :P

September 16

Annabelle, the American by Lavinia Kent
published by Avon Impulse

Regency England just got real(ity)

Episode 3: Annabelle and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad rumor

Annabelle, Marchioness of Tattingstong, always thought she was a good wife. She’s put up with all the titters and stares in the ballroom that go along with being a rich American married only for her wealth and looks. But, when it's rumored that her husband has a secret family, one he is using her money to keep, Annabelle may have finally had enough. A proper English wife would grin and bear it but playing by society’s rules hasn’t worked for her so far. Will revenge be as sweet as American pie?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Real Duchesses of London, Book #3

Ames: I have the first two books in this series...which I still need to read. LOL

Nath: I have not read any of them... but I'm thinking of giving them a try :)

September 20

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

Her only hope for survival....

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.

Is to ruin the man she loves...

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Turner brothers, Book #2

Ames: Courtney is an auto-buy author for me.

Nath: I think I'm going to skip this one. I've read two of Ms Milan's books and they are well-written and all, but they don't reach me :(

Monroe: I LOVE Courtney Milan (even though Im not sure if I read the 1st book in this series) I will have to get this one on my shelf right away.

Blood Trails by Sharon Sala
published by Harlequin (Mira)

Holly Slade has just discovered her secret identity...

Her “father’s” deathbed confession reveals that Holly’s real father was almost certainly the notorious serial killer known as “The Hunter,” and that her mother gave Holly up to save her life. But The Hunter was never caught—and Holly’s mother simply vanished.

In search of her past, Holly leaves both her home and Bud Tate, the handsome ranch foreman she’s afraid to love, horrifi ed by the knowledge that the blood of a depraved killer might run through her veins. Haunted, driven, she searches for The Hunter and hopes her mother was wrong.

But her search leads to a terrible truth no one could have imagined, and even Bud’s determination to follow and protect the woman he loves may not be enough to save Holly from the terrors of a past become present.

Be careful what you wish for...

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: The Searchers trilogy, Book #3

Nath: My expectations are not really high for this one. I simply hope that Blood Trails won't be too similar to Blood Stains and Blood Ties, but who am I kidding? Still, I need my Sharon Sala fix ;)

September 27

His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander
published by Kensington

For three years, Lady Veronica Smithson has been a happy, independent widow. Still, the right gentleman could provide the benefits of marriage without the tedious restrictions. And in Sir Sebastian Hadley-Attwater, renowned explorer and rogue, Veronica is sure she has found him.

Sebastian will inherit his fortune in a matter of weeks—if his family deems him responsible enough. There’s no better way to prove his maturity than with a home and a wife. But though the lovely Veronica will share his bed, she refuses to marry.

An intimate sojourn at his new country house will surely change her mind. For Sebastian never takes no for an answer. And even in the midst of mischief-making relatives and unexpected complications, he intends to persuade his Christmas mistress that they belong together—in this and every season to come...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Mistress trilogy, Book #2

Nath: Ms Alexander is an auto-buy for me. There's just something about her books that makes it for me :) Now, I'm not sure if this book comes out end of September or October... but either way, I'll get myself a copy :)

Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks
published by Simon & Schuster

A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of bestselling author Maya Banks’s sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.

Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.
An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

Genre: Historical romance, Highlander
Series: Highlander series, Book #2

Ames: I still haven't had a chance to buy the first book in this series but since it is Maya Banks, I'm still looking forward to this one!

Monroe: Maya Banks...highlander...SOLD!

Flawless by Carrie Lofty

published by Simon & Schuster

Sir William Christie, ruthless tycoon and notorious ladies’ man, is dead. Now his four grown children have gathered for the reading of his will. What lies in store for stepsiblings Vivienne, Alexander, and twins Gareth and Gwyneth? Stunning challenges that will test their fortitude across a royal empire... and lead them to the marvelously passionate adventures of their lives.

Lady Vivienne Bancroft fled England for New York, hoping to shed the confines of her arranged marriage to unrepentant rogue Miles Durham, Viscount Bancroft—though she never forgot the fiery desire he unleashed with his slightest touch. And when the gambling man arrives on her doorstep for a little sensual revenge for her desertion, he is met with Vivienne’s dilemma: She must earn her father’s inheritance by profitably running a diamond business worth millions in colonial South Africa. Swept together in an exotic undertaking filled with heated passion and hungry temptation, will Vivienne and Miles discover that the marriage vows they once made are the greatest snare—or the most treasured reward?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Nath: I've been meaning to try Ms Lofty's writing... and have not done so yet ^_^; I know, I know, no real excuses ^_^; Still, from all I heard about Ms Lofty's books, chances are really high I'm getting Flawless! :) Also, did you see the cover?

Monroe: Love this cover!

Spider's Revenge by Jennifer Estep
published by Simon & Schuster

Old habits die hard. And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through.

Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen.

Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters she hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second.

Good thing I’ve got my powerful Stone and Ice magic — and my irresistible lover Owen Grayson — to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me...no matter what I have to do to make that happen.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin series, Book #5

Nath: Woohooo!!! So looking forward to this book! Spider's Revenge was supposed to be the resolution of the series, but there are now two more books. I guess it's still the resolution of the story arc though ;) I'm excited though and I love the cover as well!

Monroe: Ive wanted to read this series for a while now...I need to start so I can get to this one! lol Sounds good!

Nath: It is, Monroe!!

What a Duke Wants by Lavinia Kent
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)

What woman would refuse a Duke’s kiss?

Running from a dark secret past, Isabella Masters craves peace and stability, a life far from the prying eyes of society.

She does not dream of landing a lord.

But in the arms of a stranger with magnificent eyes, she loses herself in one breath-stealing kiss— only to discover she has been misled by a reluctant Duke.

Angered but enthralled, she dares not submit... though her passionate heart begs her to. He cannot wed her... but he must not lose her.

Only one possibility remains— one too scandalous to consider... yet too tempting to resist.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: -

Nath: Hmmm, I got a few books from Ms Kent that I picked up at RWA. Still haven't read them, but I'm keeping this one on the radar :)

Bad Boys Do by Victoria Dahl
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That’s what her ex-husband said. That’s what her smart bob and glasses imply. And with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She’s going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble – in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan – may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn’t mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. But it’s time to grow up. He’s even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery, Book #2

Ames: I read and enjoyed Good Girls Don't so I'm looking forward to Jamie's book.

Nath: I read the first book and thought it was okay. The hero was great, but the heroine so-so. Still, I liked Jamie though so I'm probably going to pick this one up :)

Monroe: Oddly enough I haven't read the first in this series...there are so many authors that I love I cant keep up! lol Ok buying this and the first book ASAP!

September 29

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
published by Dutton

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion... she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Genre: YA, contemporary
Series: -

Ames: I loved Anna and the French Kiss and I can't wait to read this one!!

Nath: Anna and the French Kiss didn't measure up to the buzz for me... and it was mainly due to the high school drama feel of the book, albeit being set in Paris. This one though, the heroine sounds interesting ;) So I'll definitively be taking a look at the book :)

August New Releases

2011-08-01T11:06:00.000-04:00

It's that time of the month LOL. Nope, not Aunt Flo... but new releases! What are you looking forward to? Here are the books that will make us head to the bookstores :)

August 1

Confessions of an Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore
published by Grand Central Publishing

Twice tempted

Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.

Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The Donovan Sisters, Book #1

Nath: Actually already got my hand on this release :) What drew me to Confessions of an Improper Bride is the twins storyline. I've always had a weakness for that story trope :) At the same time, it'll give me the opportunity to try Ms Haymore's writing. Win-win :)

Ames: I don't really care for the fact Serena is pretending to be her twin. Mind you, I've heard good things about Haymore's writing so I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for this one. I'm willing to take a chance on a good author.

August 2

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley
published by Berkley

A renowned rake, Cameron Mackenzie doesn't care if Ainsley Douglas has a virtuous excuse for sneaking around his bedchamber. He only cares that she's at his mercy. One kiss at a time, he plans to seduce her. But what starts out as a lusty diversion may break Cam's own rules.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Highland Pleasures, Book #3

Nath: I read and enjoyed The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie a lot. Among Ian's brother, I thought Cameron was the most interesting and I'm glad his book is finally coming out :)

Ames: I've loved all the books in this series so far. I cannot wait to read Cam's story!!

Monroe: I loved the first two books in this series and am now counting the days till this one is in my hands!

Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley

During the rule of her murderous Dark Fae uncle, Thistle "Tricks" Periwinkle found sanctuary among the Wyr in New York. Her ethereal beauty and sparkling personality won the hearts of the public, but after her uncle's death, there are those who don't want to see her ascend the throne...

Able to wield thunder and lightning, Wyr sentinel Tiago Black Eagle has ruled the skies for centuries. His massive build and thunderous power make him one of the Wyr's best weapons. And he's the one sent to protect Tricks when she's almost assassinated in Chicago.

Soon, both Tiago and Tricks will fall prey to the stormy hunger that engulfs them- a passion that will shake the very foundation of all the worlds.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Elder Races, Book #2

Nath: This series is the latest paranormal hit in blogland and has received a lot of buzz. I read Dragon Bound - unfortunately have yet to review it ^_^; While it didn't wow me, I think this series has a lot of potential and I really liked Tricks in the first book :)

Ames: I'm wanting just based on the buzz! I haven't had a chance to read Dragon Bound yet. But if I see this book lying around, you know I'm going to scoop it up. LOL

Changing the Game by Jaci Burton
published by Berkley

Most people play by the rules. Gavin and Liz aren't most people...

Win at any cost. That's always been the mantra of sports agent Liz Darnell. When she carries things too far and risks losing her number-one client, baseball pro Gavin Riley, Liz realizes that she'll have to work extra innings to win him back. It might not be too much of a stretch. She's had a thing for this player's moves since she first laid eyes on him, and by the looks of it, he wants her just as bad.

Gavin's more than ready—especially when Liz is offering herself as part of the bargain. And as much of her as Gavin wants. For added thrills, he decides to throw a little curve ball Liz's way to see just how far she's truly willing to go to keep him as a client. But when love unexpectedly enters the playing field, neither Liz nor Gavin are ready for the biggest game-changer of them all.

Genre: Contemporary romance, Sports romance
Series: Play-by-play series, Book #2

Nath: Just finished reading Perfect Play which was really good :) I liked Gavin, although he seems to be a bit more of a playboy than Mick... However, I'm not sure about Liz ^_^; So I think I'm going to be waiting for reviews on this one :)

Ames: Monroe and I reviewed Perfect Play and really enjoyed it as well. I really disliked Liz though. But that cover is soooo tempting. I said I'd wait to see what others thought of it, but that cover....*drool*

Monroe: Perfect Play was oh so yummy so this book is an auto buy for me!

Basilisk by Rob Thurman
published by ROC (NAL)

See no evil. Seek no evil. Survive no evil...

Stefan Korsak and his genetically-altered brother have evaded the Institute for three years. When they learn the new location of the secret lab, they plan to break in and save the remaining children there. But one of the little ones doesn't want to leave.

She wants to kill...

Genre: Sci-Fi
Series: Chimera, Book #2

Nath: I'm really looking forward to this book. I've really become a fan of Ms Thurman and I am enjoying all of her series. I'm thrilled that this book is from Michael's POV. I think it'll make things really interesting :)

One Good Reason by Sarah Mayberry
published by Harlequin

It's time to move on

Any day now Jon Adamson will pack his bags and hit the road. After all, his intention was never to hang around Melbourne once he'd settled his late father's affairs. Yet he hasn't moved on. And it might have something to do with Gabby Wade. The not–so–big office manager with the really big attitude is making Jon's days… interesting… engaging… fun. It's impossible for him to resist her.

But he knows himself—long–term commitments and cozy family dinners aren't his style. If that's what the future holds, why is he still here? And why is he spending all his days—and nights—with Gabby? Because maybe she's the one reason strong enough to make him stay.

Genre: Contemporary romance, Category romance
Series: Sequel to The Last Goodbye

Nath: Reviews for One Good Reason are favorable and I'll most likely end up getting it :) Ms Mayberry is definitively the author to go to if you want category contemporary romance.

Ames: I love this author, she's an auto-buy for me.

Stand-In Wife by Karina Bliss
published by Harlequin

Playing with dynamite, a girl could get burned...

What does he know about love and marriage? And exactly how did he, Ross Coltrane—a special forces elite soldier and demolitions expert—end up playing middleman to his kid brother and the estranged wife. And most important, why is he suddenly noticing how beautiful his sister–in–law is? He's never thought about his brother's wife... that way... before.

Then he figures it out and everything makes sense. This tantalizing woman is the other twin! The identical sisters have pulled a swap and duped everyone around them. Furious much? Oh, yeah. Poised to bring down their plan, Ross hesitates. Something about Vivienne Jansen's courage and zest for life gets to him. Except, he's not a man who has feelings. Everyone calls him the Iceman. He doesn't know how to be anything else...

Genre: Contemporary romance, Category romance
Series: N/A

Nath: LOL, I think I have three authors for category romance: Sarah Mayberry, Jessica Hart and Karina Bliss. Whenever one of these authors have a release out, it's worth keeping an eye out for it :) Says it all, right? Plus, once again... twins!

Ames: I really enjoy this author too. And the twin's plot intrigues me this time. Go figure.

Nath: LOL, maybe because it's contemporary?

It's Always Been You by Victoria Dahl
published by Kensington

Once She Slipped Through His Fingers...

Aidan York has spent ten years mourning the woman he once loved and lost. He's filled the void in the only way he knows—by distracting himself with wild behavior and scandalous trysts. It's a hollow existence, but it dulls the pain. Until the day he encounters a ghost: the woman he thought drowned at sea, alive and as enchanting as ever...

Now He'll Keep Her In His Arms...

When Kate Hamilton sees the man she once hoped to spend her life with, she is hit with a storm of memories and longing. But though resisting Aidan's passion proves impossible, Kate must try not to love him all over again. For her seemingly quiet London life shields a dangerous secret, one that will catch up to her the moment she lets herself fall...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: York Family, Book #2

Ames: I really enjoy Dahl's writing, both contemporaries and historicals. Definitely going to get this one.

Monroe: Dahl is an auto buy for me...I've never picked up a book of hers I didn't love.

Nath: Hmmm, this wasn't on my radar... but perhaps I'll pick it up, since I've been gobbling up historicals. Plus, I really love the colors of this cover. Yes, I know, shallow LOL.

August 9

Bound by Law by S.E. Jakes
published by Samhain Publishing

The one man he can't forget is the one whose memories could destroy them all.

After the one man he trusted disappeared, it took Law Connor ten years to take a chance on another relationship. Trouble is, right about the time he's finally ready to let go of the past, the past stages a hostile takeover.

Back when they were teens, Styx was the boy with no memory. He and Law had each other's backs until he was forced to leave to keep Law safe. Now a CIA agent, he's finally discovered who he is, and why he's a hunted man.

Detective Paulo McMannus has almost succeeded in helping Law forget his lost love when Styx comes plowing back into their lives. No way is Paulo giving up his lover without a fight.

Suddenly Law finds himself on the run with Styx, the man who can still bring him to his knees...and with Paulo, the man who brought him back to life. The worst part? He can't choose between them. And it's getting harder to remember why he should.

Genre: M/M
Series: Men of Honor, Book #2

Ames: This one sounds really good. I haven't read Jakes before but something about this blurb just appeals to me!

August 16

Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
published by St. Martin's Press

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper Extraordinaire, is back in this sexy, suspenseful novel of supernatural shenanigans

When Charley is rudely awakened in the middle of the night by her best friend who tells her to get dressed quickly and tosses clothes out of the closet at her, she can’t help but wonder what Cookie’s up to. Leather scrunch boots with a floral miniskirt? Together? Seriously? Cookie explains that a friend of hers named Mimi disappeared five days earlier and that she just got a text from her setting up a meet at a coffee shop downtown. They show up at the coffee shop, but no Mimi. But Charley finds a message on the bathroom wall. Mimi left a clue, a woman’s name. Mimi’s husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been found murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message.

Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He’s left his body because he’s being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can’t let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they’ll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Will Cookie ever get a true fashion sense? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel them as they do?

Genre: Mystery with strong romantic and paranormal elements --> Urban Fantasy (?)
Series: Charley Davidson series, Book #2

Nath: I got the first book, First Grave on the Right, at RWA and just absolutely loooved it. I'm a bit apprehensive at where the romance between Charley and Reyes is going, but definitively eager to find out! I think everyone should give this series a try :)

August 23

The King's Courtesan by Judith James
published by HQN Books (Harlequin)

Her body is a battleground

Sensuous, beautiful and determined, Hope Matthews is a favored mistress of the king. Her many charms have helped her rise from the gutter to the king’s bed. But with the new queen’s impending arrival, her nights in the royal chamber— and her hopes for security—will swiftly come to an end.

His Honor a distant memory

Haunted by his past, hardened by the recent civil war, Captain Robert Nichols lives only for revenge. When told he must marry the king’s courtesan to provide a cover for their affair, he’s faced with a new low. Both are pawns of a great man, but married to their dreams of independence, their clash is inevitable. Can these two wounded souls realize the answer to all their dreams might lie in each other’s arms?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Loosely connected to Libertine's Kiss

Ames: I am a big fan of Judith James and this book sounds awesome. 'Nuff said.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
published by Penguin Young Reader

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal/UF
Series: Bloodlines, Book #1

Monroe: Mead... another auto buy! I'm excited about this spin off series! Vampire Academy series rocked so I'm totally in!

Ripe for Scandal by Isobel Carr
published by Grand Central Publishing

The League of Second Sons

A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it, and when it comes to passion they refuse to accept second best.

No one would ever suspect Lady Boudicea "Beau" Vaughn, a well-bred, young heiress, of secretly harboring unladylike desires. The object of her affection: Gareth Sandison, a notorious rake and her brother's best friend. Beau knows her brother would never approve, yet one glance into Gareth's smoldering eyes stirs a longing deep inside her.

The second son of an Earl, Gareth has always known the lovely Lady Beau is above his station. But when she is kidnapped, Gareth sees a chance to prove his worth and plans a daring rescue. Soon he and Beau are on the run. Yet Beau's abductors are not the only threat-passion pursues the pair at every turn. Long nights fuel forbidden fantasies, and with danger closing in, Gareth and Beau will finally give in to the ultimate temptation...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: The League of Second Sons, Book #2

Ames: This book has one of my favorite themes - falling for a friend's sibling. And I enjoyed Isobel's first book, so I'm intrigued by this second novel.

August 30

Cheri on Top by Susan Donovan
published by St. Martin's Press

Sun-drenched beaches, designer-label clothes, drop-dead-gorgeous boy-toys…all paid for with a series of high-risk real estate deals. That’s the lifestyle Cherise Newberry and her BFF Candy enjoy after leaving rural North Carolina for Tampa—until the market tanks and they lose everything. Cheri is surviving on Ramen Noodles and temp jobs when she gets a call from home to come back and run the family’s small-town newspaper. Just one catch: She’ll become the boss of her high school crush—and former brother-in-law—who might have the power to crush her all over again...

But Cheri is surprised to see how “bad boy” J.J. DeCourcy has grown into the hard-working and principled managing editor of The Bigler Bugle. Still, according to Cheri’s bitter sister, he’s not to be trusted. If Cheri’s going to co-exist at the with this sexier-than-ever man from her past, she needs to stay professional—and keep her distance —even though he sets her on fire. When they’re handed the biggest news story in the town’s history, Cheri must trust J.J., even it means putting her life in danger.…and her heart on the line.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: N/A

Nath: I've always been a fan of Ms Donovan's contemporary romance and has gotten all her releases and this one will be no exception :) Sounds fun :)

Monroe: I feel like a broken record... Donovan rocks...auto buy! And this book just sounds too cute!

Only Yours by Susan Mallery
published by HQN Books

Man’s best... matchmaker?

Montana Hendrix has found her calling—working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right... or maybe Dr. Right?

Surgeon Simon Bradley prefers the sterility of the hospital to the messiness of real life, especially when real life includes an accident-prone mutt and a woman whose kisses make him want what he knows he can’t have.

Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotional entanglement by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. Can his growing feelings for Montana lead him to find a home in Fool’s Gold, or will he walk away, taking her broken heart with him?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Fool's Gold series, Book #5

Nath: I always liked Montana's character in Almost Perfect, so looking forward to her book. I heard that Simon was the "unemotional" kind of hero and he's paired with Montana who's decidedly bubbly :) So Only Yours has my favorite kind of H/H pairing and I'll definitively give it a go :)

Monroe: I love the Fools Gold series! Cute cute cute! This book sounds great... ps-I totally want to live there lol

Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl
published by HQN Books (Harlequin)

Too much of a good thing...

With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman—or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break–in at her family's brewery. He's got his own problems—starting with the fact that his partner, Simone, is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father.

Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother's playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tension could tear her tight–knit family apart. In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their "baby" sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath. He's not who people think he is—and neither is she.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Donovan Brothers Brewery trilogy, Book #1

Nath: Contemporary romance, HQN Books and Victoria Dahl. Three words that in the same sentence will make me pick up the book at the bookstore LOL.

Ames: This book sounds so cute. I'm glad we're getting two Dahl's coming out this month. :P

Monroe: ...my wallet will be empty this month for sure...yet another must have for me!

A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
published by Avon (HarperCollins Publisher)

Welcome to Spindle Cove, where the ladies with delicate constitutions come for the sea air, and men in their prime are... nowhere to be found.

Or are they?

Spindle Cove is the destination of choice for certain types of well-bred young ladies: the painfully shy, young wives disenchanted with matrimony, and young girls too enchanted with the wrong men; it is a haven for those who live there.

Victor Bramwell, the new Earl of Rycliff, knows he doesn’t belong here. So far as he can tell, there’s nothing in this place but spinsters... and sheep. But he has no choice, he has orders to gather a militia. It’s a simple mission, made complicated by the spirited, exquisite Susanna Finch—a woman who is determined to save her personal utopia from the invasion of Bram’s makeshift army.

Susanna has no use for aggravating men; Bram has sworn off interfering women. The scene is set for an epic battle... but who can be named the winner when both have so much to lose?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Spindle Cove, Book #1

Nath: I had no idea that Ms Dare has switched publisher, but I think this is a great move as I love Avon's historical romance :) But hmmm, the blurb isn't what I remember reading... Ah well, no matter :) Will definitively give this one a try :)

Ames: This one sounds really good. Clash of wills of epic proportions!

In Bed With a Highlander by Maya Banks
published by Ballantine Books

Ewan McCabe, the eldest, is a warrior determined to vanquish his enemy. Now, with the time ripe for battle, his men are ready and Ewan is poised to take back what is his—until a blue-eyed, raven-haired temptress is thrust upon him. Mairin may be the salvation of Ewan’s clan, but for a man who dreams only of revenge, matters of the heart are strange territory to conquer.

The illegitimate daughter of the king, Mairin possesses prized property that has made her a pawn—and wary of love. Her worst fears are realized when she is rescued from peril only to be forced into marriage by her charismatic and commanding savior, Ewan McCabe. But her attraction to her ruggedly powerful new husband makes her crave his surprisingly tender touch; her body comes alive under his sensual mastery. And as war draws near, Mairin’s strength, spirit, and passion challenge Ewan to conquer his demons—and embrace a love that means more than revenge and land.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Highlander, Book #1

Ames: Are highlanders making a comeback? I'll follow Maya wherever she may lead. LOL

Monroe: For me the book name is enough to get my attention...put the name Maya Banks on the cover and I'm sold!

Nath: Ames, I don't feel like highlanders ever went away LOL. I'm not such a fan of highlander books, but I remember Rosie reading the excerpt at RWA and saying how this book had a lot of potential. So I'll be keeping an eye out for it :)

Seven Years to Sin by Sylvia Day
published by Kensington

The longer the resistance...

Seven years ago, on the eve of her wedding, proper Lady Jessica Sheffield witnessed a licentious scene no innocent young miss could imagine. Shocked, yet strangely titillated, she'd held her silence regarding scandalous Alistair Caulfield, and walked down the aisle as expected. But through years of serene, unremarkable marriage, Caulfield's image remained burned into her imagination, fueling very illicit dreams...

...the sweeter the reward

Alistair ran far from the temptation of the prim debutante with the fire of passion in her eyes—all the way to the West Indies. As a successful merchant, he has little in common with the rakehell youth she knew. But when newly widowed Jessica steps aboard his ship for a transatlantic passage, seven years' worth of denied pleasures are held in check by nothing more than a few layers of silk—and the certainty that surrender will consume them both...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: N/A

Ames: I LOVE Sylvia Day's historicals and highly recommend all of them. I can't wait to read this one!!

Monroe: This books sounds like a winner! Plus its our beloved Sylvia Day so ya...sold!

Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
published by Kensington

Georgina Kincaid has had an eternity to figure out the opposite sex, but sometimes they still surprise her. Take Seth Mortensen. The man has risked his soul to become Georgina's boyfriend. Still, with Lucifer for a boss, Georgina can't just hang up her killer heels and settle down to domestic bliss. In fact, she's being forced to transfer operations... to Las Vegas.

The City of Sin is a dream gig for a succubus, but Georgina's allies are suspicious. Why are the powers-that-be so eager to get her away from Seattle—and from Seth? Georgina is one of Hell's most valuable assets, but if there's any way out of the succubus business she plans to take it—no matter how much roadkill she leaves behind. She just hopes the casualties won't include the one man she's risking everything for...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Georgina Kincaid, Book #6

Ames: It's the end of an era. This is the final book in the Succubus series and I will be very sad to see it end. This is an awesome, gut-wrenching series and the author has definitely taken us and Georgie for a ride. As much as I hate to see it end, I can't wait to see how things will turn out for Georgie.

Monroe: I'm still in denial of this series ending...ill probably weep the day it comes out, buy it, then wait another year to read it...I'm pitiful like that. I'LL MISS YOU GEORGIE!

July New Releases

2011-07-02T11:04:00.001-04:00

Is it just me or did June just fly by? It's a good thing too because I was on a book buying ban but now that that's over, I am free to buy again. LOL And July has some books I'm really wanting to read...

July 1

Black Ties & Lullabies by Jane Graves
published by Grand Central Publishing

A good girl can be bad for one night...

Bernadette Hogan doesn't make mistakes. Not when it comes to caring for her mother, and not at her job protecting Texas's most eligible—and infuriating—bachelor. Maybe that's why she's overcome with guilt after one tiny indiscretion: a passionate fling with her boss that's left her confused, intrigued...and pregnant.

but can a bad boy be good for a lifetime?

To self-made millionaire Jeremy Bridges, women are like fine wine: if held for too long, they sour. But one wild night with Bernadette changed all that. She makes him laugh, she makes him think, and soon she's going to make him a father. For the first time, Jeremy wants to be a one-woman man. So how can he convince the fiercely independent Bernadette he's ready to change from partying playboy to dependable dad—and become the loving husband she deserves?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: I've enjoyed Ms Graves' past contemporary romances and am really happy she has a new one coming out! Also, this sounds exactly like something I'd enjoy :)

Ames: This one sounds interesting...yes even with the whole pregnancy thing. LOL

Touch If You Dare by Stephanie Rowe
published by Sourcebooks

He's just about the hottest warrior she's ever seen...

Reina Fleming really appreciates a man who's on a mission-especially when he's a badass warrior doing his best to impress her. And Jarvis is charmed by the way Reina's magic touch can soothe his dark side.

But when Jarvis's attention puts her job, her home, and her family in danger, Reina has to decide whether love is worth the price...

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Soulfire Series #2

Nath: This book is a maybe for me. I've still haven't read the first book in the series ^_^; However, I like Ms Rowe's writing style so it's definitively on my radar :)

July 5

Naked City - anthology
published by St. Martin's Press

In this thrilling collection of original stories some of today’s hottest paranormal authors delight, thrill and captivate readers with otherworldly tales of magic and mischief. In Jim Butcher’s ”Curses” Harry Dresden investigates how to lift a curse laid by the Fair Folk on the Chicago Cubs. In Patricia Briggs’ “Fairy Gifts,” a vampire is called home by magic to save the Fae who freed him from a dark curse. In Melissa Marr’s “Guns for the Dead,” the newly dead Frankie Lee seeks a job in the afterlife on the wrong side of the law. In Holly Black’s “Noble Rot,” a dying rock star discovers that the young woman who brings him food every day has some strange appetites of her own.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: n/a

Nath: Jim Butcher and Patricia Briggs. LOL, that's all I'll say!

Ames: I don't really care for anthologies so I think I'll just look for this one at the library or something.

Monroe: Whatevs Ames lol its Patricia Briggs!!!! Fine fine...Ill read it, tell you how wonderful it is then Ill make you read it! ;)

Hammered by Kevin Hearne
published by Random House

Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is worse than a blowhard and a bully—he’s ruined countless lives and killed scores of innocents. After centuries, Viking vampire Leif Helgarson is ready to get his vengeance, and he’s asked his friend Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids, to help take down this Norse nightmare.

One survival strategy has worked for Atticus for more than two thousand years: stay away from the guy with the lightning bolts. But things are heating up in Atticus’s home base of Tempe, Arizona. There’s a vampire turf war brewing, and Russian demon hunters who call themselves the Hammers of God are running rampant. Despite multiple warnings and portents of dire consequences, Atticus and Leif journey to the Norse plain of Asgard, where they team up with a werewolf, a sorcerer, and an army of frost giants for an epic showdown against vicious Valkyries, angry gods, and the hammer-wielding Thunder Thug himself.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles #3

Nath: This series is okay so far. I haven't been blown-away yet, but there is definite potential. I think for it to be a success, Mr Hearne needs to strengthen his plot. In my opinion, Hammered will be the turning point - it'll make or break the series... Right now, I'm still in, especially since I enjoy Atticus and Leif's interactions :)

Ames: I'll wait for your verdict on this book, Nath. I still haven't read the first one.

Darkness at Dawn by Elizabeth Jennings
published by Penguin

A threat to the Himalayan Kingdom of Nhala unites Army Captain Mike Shafer and Lucy Merritt, an expert restorer of manuscripts. A deadly ancient prophecy of the world's end is manifesting-and so is their attraction to each other. Can they save the world and their chance at love?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: n/a

Nath: I think this is going to be a very interesting book :)I enjoyed Ms Jenning's last romantic suspense and am hoping this one will be as good and unusual :)

ames: Did you review her last book? I know I wanted to wait to see what you thought before I checked them out. But yes, this one sounds very interesting.

Invitation to Italian by Tracy Kelleher
published by Harlequin Super Romance

Talk about adult education! Obstetrician Julie Antonelli's spontaneous decision to take an Italian Conversation class has backfired. Instead of distracting her from the pressures at work, the course proves she can't escape them. That's because the teacher is none other than cardiologist Sebastiano Fonterra—the recently installed Grantham Hospital CEO who drives Julie crazy.

Much to her surprise, Julie gets some fascinating lessons about life, family and love. Not to mention seeing Sebastiano in a much more simpatico light. This is one class she won't skip…especially when he's making her believe this could be the beginning of a beautiful future.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: It sounds cute :P Yes, that's all it needs for a book to make it on my radar LOL.

Honeyed Words by J.A. Pitts
published by Tor

Sarah Beauhall is a blacksmith, has a night job as a props manager for a low-budget movie, and spends her free time fighting in a medieval re-enactment group. Her world falls apart when she discovers that dragons are real and live among us as shapeshifters; in fact, it is they who have been the secret masters of our world from time immemorial. On top of all this, it appears that Sarah has managed to reforge an ancient sword that everyone suddenly wants...and those who don’t want the weapon want Sarah to take on her destiny and become humanity’s saviour.

As Sarah tries to make her way in this new world, she discovers just how little she knows of reality. Fairies and dwarves and giants abound, the fault line of the Pacific Northwest is rife with ancient Norse magic. Odin himself appears with ravens at his side and cryptic advice for the fledgling heroine. And the cherry on the sundae? The discovery that Sarah’s girlfriend is from a family that has been battling these forces for generations and they look to Sarah as their last best hope.

What’s a girl to do when the powers of the world decide that you’re responsible for cleaning up the magical mess?

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Sarah Beauhall #2

Nath: I've never heard of the series or the author, but stumbled across this cover when I was putting my list of new releases together. The cover caught my eye, but what's most interesting is that the heroine is a blacksmith :) It sounds pretty cool :) Not sure I'm going to get it, but worth keeping an eye on. Plus, I heard it got some strong romantic elements, yay!

ames: Ooh the word blacksmith caught my eye! LOL I'll wait for your thoughts on this one because I'm not really into fantasies right now.

Viper Moon by Lee Roland
published by Penguin

Cassandra Archer is the Huntress. She has faithfully served the Earth Mother for years, rescuing kidnapped children from monsters-both human and supernatural-dwelling in the ruins of the Barrows District. But when two children are kidnapped under similar circumstances, all clues point to a cataclysmic event on the next dark moon. Now Cass must race against the clock and prevent a sacrifice that could destroy the entire town...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Earth Witches #1

Nath: LOL, okay, so lots of books made it on my radar ^_^; What can I say? I think the blurb has potential... although once again, not sure I'm going to get it... but keeping an eye on it.

Can't Hurry Love by Christie Ridgway
published by Penguin

Liam Bennett staked his claim to Tanti Baci after stepping in to help the Baci sisters save their family legacy. But Giuliana Baci doubts his motives. They've been at odds since the hot summer long ago that ended in heartache. With the fate of the winery on the line, the former lovers need to get a handle on their barely leashed hostilities-and the attraction that still draws them toward each other.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Three Kisses #3

Monroe: Woop! Ive waited for this book! I love this series and cant wait to get my hot little hands on it! Oh and the cover is so cute!

July 12

The Secret Mistress by Mary Balogh
published by Random House

While Lady Angeline Dudley’s pedigree dictates that she must land a titled gentleman, the irrepressible beauty secretly longs for a simple, ordinary suitor. No wild rakes like the men of her family, just a kind heart and good nature. So when Edward Ailsbury, the new Earl of Heyward, rescues her with unmatched civility from the advances of a scoundrel, Angeline thinks that she has found her true love. Persuading the earl is another matter entirely.
Edward has his future neatly mapped out. He hopes to wed his steadfast companion, a woman who shares his values of loyalty, respect, and decorum. But arriving in London to take his seat in the House of Lords, he is derailed by Angeline, an exquisite bird of paradise seemingly devoted to sending his predictable life into chaos.

From the brilliant hues of her fashion to her hoydenish antics, Angeline is the last woman on earth for Edward. And yet a stolen kiss in the moonlight awakens something deep and primal within him. Naturally, being a gentleman, he does the right thing after compromising a lady: He offers marriage.

Angeline knows that Edward’s proposal is born of duty, not love. But denying something so provocative and passionate is easier said than done. Deep down, Angeline believes that Edward’s dedication to convention will melt behind closed doors, where sensuality and seduction play wicked games. For a proper wife by day can become a husband’s secret mistress by night, when delicious desire rules.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Mistress Trilogy #3

Nath: At first, I wasn't sure about this book, especially since it's hardcover. However, after reading More Than a Mistress, I have to say I'm curious about the dynamics between Angeline and Edward! Not sure I'm going to buy it right away because it's hardcover... but it's definitively a book I want to read one way or another :)

ames: This one sounds good! Hopefully I can get it from the library. :P

July 19

Liam's Perfect Woman by Beth Kery
published by Harlequin

It happened one summer…

The moment Liam Kavanaugh first glimpsed the exotic beauty dancing across a moonlit beach, he was smitten. But he was in for the surprise of his life when she turned out to be Natalie Reyes! The big–city cop had returned to Harbor Town to be the chief of police. Instead, he was battling an intense attraction to the woman who was forcing him to confront his past…

The lone survivor of the crash that had destroyed their families, Natalie needed Liam's help to finally move past the tragedy that shattered her life. Yet the innocent beauty wasn't prepared for the passion that flared between them. And now her very future was in the hands of a man who just might be able to heal her heart with his loving touch…

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

ames: I like cop heroines (or really any job with a uniform) and it's Beth Kery. Win win!

Monroe: This one sounds cute! =) Sold!

Love Story by Jennifer Echols
published by Simon & Schuster

SHE’S WRITING ABOUT HIM. HE’S WRITING ABOUT HER. AND EVERYBODY IS READING BETWEEN THE LINES.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions—it’s her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family’s racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin’s college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter?... so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she’s sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He’s joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin’s heart with longing. Now she’s not just imagining what might have been. She’s writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter... except this story could come true.

Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Series: n/a

ames: I know Wena read and enjoyed this one and I really like Jennifer's writing.

July 26

Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong
published by Penguin

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Women of the Otherworld #12

Nath: Okay, I admit it, I still haven't read Waking the Witch ^_^; But it's Kelley Armstrong!! I think having this book will push me to read both... or I might wait the third one and just read the whole trilogy together :) Still, this is a book I'm getting!

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher
published by Penguin

The eagerly awaited new novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series.
When we last left the mighty wizard detective Harry Dresden, he wasn't doing well. In fact, he had been murdered by an unknown assassin.

But being dead doesn't stop him when his friends are in danger. Except now he has nobody, and no magic to help him. And there are also several dark spirits roaming the Chicago shadows who owe Harry some payback of their own.

To save his friends-and his own soul-Harry will have to pull off the ultimate trick without any magic...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Dresden Files #13

Nath: Okay, really looking forward to Ghost Story! Can't wait to see where Mr Butcher is taking us... and is Harry coming back to life? If yes, how?!? LOL.

Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen
published by Harlequin

When high school golden boy Cade Gallari publicly revealed he’d slept with “fat girl” Ava Spencer to win a bet, he broke her heart. Now a decade older and a head-turner with her own concierge business, Ava isn’t the gullible dreamer she once was—and she plans to prove it when Cade, hotter than ever, breezes back into town with an offer she can’t refuse.

A documentary film producer, Cade is shooting a movie about the mysterious mansion Ava inherited. And he wants her as his personal concierge. She’s certainly professional enough to be at his beck and call without giving him everything he wants. Like another shot at having her in his bed. But Ava doesn’t count on Cade’s determination. Because he’s never gotten over her. And he’s not above playing dirty to score a second chance at a red-hot future…

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Nath: I'm really happy that Ms Andersen was able to write this story in the end :) I think the bits we've seen between Cade and Ava in the previous book was a great teaser! Also, I have to admit, I did read this book for Netgalley and I really enjoyed it! :)

Only Mine by Susan Mallery
published by Harlequin

Her town’s lack of men may make headlines, but it isn’t news to Dakota Hendrix. The beautiful blonde has bigger problems to deal with, such as overseeing the romance reality competition filming in Fool’s Gold. Screening eligible bachelors is a difficult enough task, but Dakota hits an unexpected snag when a sexy stranger comes to town.

Finn Anderssen will do anything to keep his twin brothers — the perfect contestants — off the show. Despite Dakota’s better judgment, she finds herself drawn to the mysterious outsider. Like her, Finn knows about heartbreak and how a family can fall apart, so she doesn’t dare to hope for anything more than a fling. After all, even in the Land of Happy Endings, finding true love is never as easy as it looks on TV.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Fool's Gold #4

Nath: A bit hesitant with this book... Finn has twin brothers - so that means they're triplets? Triplets falling in love with triplets? Ah well, we'll see :)

Monroe: I LOVE this series so this is a HUGE auto buy for me! LOVE Susan Mallery!

Vanished in the Night by Eileen Carr
published by Simon and Schuster

She doesn’t trust cops...

Veronica Osborne has had enough problems with the police, thanks to her volatile father. So when tall, strapping Sergeant Zach McKnight shows up at her door, she’s prepared for anything—except the news that her beloved missing brother, Max, has been dead for nearly twenty years... ever since he ran away.

...until she meets one who’d risk everything to protect her.

Appalled when the police suspect her father of Max’s murder, Veronica begins her own investigation. But as her surprising role in her brother’s disappearance surfaces, so do more bodies. The ghosts of Max’s past are working hard to hide the truth, while another, more sinister force will do anything to expose it. How far will a killer go to get revenge? And can Zach stop him before he targets the woman Zach’s coming to love?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: n/a

Nath: This one sounds like a good romantic suspense :) I've never read this author... but it sounds good :)

Shadowflame by Dianne Sylvan
published by Penguin

It's been three months since musician Miranda Grey became a vampire and married David Solomon. But when a powerful force from David's past appears, Miranda begins to realize how little she really knows about her husband.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Shadow World #2

Nath: I'm still torn about this one. I read the first book, Queen of Shadows. I kind of enjoyed it, but I haven't decided if it was enough to get Shadowflame. I think I'll be getting this book later, when there's a lull in my reading... :P

That's what we're looking forward to, what about you?

June New Releases

2011-06-01T06:52:00.000-04:00

Yay, the beginning of another month! Maybe things will look better at Breezing Through in terms of reviews! LOL. One can always hope...

Surprisingly, June is quiet month. I'm surprised since it's really the beginning of summer and I thought they'd release more books... but what do I know? Maybe people are too busy during their vacation to read? Yeah, not everybody is like us LOL.

Here is what we are looking forward to :) What about you?

June 1

Beg for Mercy by Jami Alden
published by Grand Central Publishing

He lurks in the shadows, waiting and watching... And once he has you, all you can do is. . .

Beg for mercy

Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother-the only family she has left-for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.

Seattle Detective Cole Williams had given up on making Megan see reason where her brother is concerned. But when she insinuates herself into the most shockingly brutal case Cole has ever worked, he can't stand idly by. Plunged into a secret world where the city's elite indulge their darkest desires, Cole will do whatever it takes to bring down a madman who has made Megan his most coveted prey.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Book #1

Nath: This book caught my eyes. Seems like the perfect book if you're in the mood for romantic suspense :P

June 7

Money Shot by Susan Sey
published by Berkley

Ready...

Secret Service Agent Maria "Goose" di Guzman knows something about penance. A tragic mistake forced her to replace the dangerous, impulsive girl she'd been with someone better, smarter. Someone sexy, cool and utterly controlled. But one crack in her perfect facade lands Goose on tiny Mishkwa Island, investigating naked hippies, frisky moose, and a red hot park ranger who sees straight through her.

Aim...

When Rush Guthrie traded in an elite military career to police his tiny island home town, he got a pretty good deal: a park ranger's badge, a resurrected conscience, and signed of life from his MIA sense of humor. A guy couldn't want anything more. But when Goose turns up--all sexy curves, sad eyes, and thorny questions--Rush realizes he can want more. A lot more.

Fire!

While Goose pursues the island's deepest secrets, Rush pursues the brave, funny woman inside all that careful perfection. But the truths they uncover put everything on the line--life, death and true love. And they'll only get one shot at all of it.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Money, Book #2

Nath: I'm always on the look-out for some interesting, different contemporary romance and this seems to fit the bill :) I read Money, Honey and thought it was enjoyable.

Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey
published by Carina Press

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he’s recruited by Emma Shaw to be her fake fiancé. Emma needs to produce a husband-to-be for her grandmother’s upcoming visit, and, though Sean doesn’t like the deception, he could use the landscaping job Emma’s offering while he decides what to do with his civilian life. And, despite his attraction to Emma, there’s no chance he’ll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he’s not planning to call home.

Emma’s not interested in a real relationship either; not with a man whose idea of home is wherever he drops his duffel bag. No matter how amazing his “pretend” kisses are...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Kowalski Family, Book #3

Nath: This book has been getting some good reviews on blogland :) Hopefully, it measures up to it!

You Belong to Me by Karen Rose
published by New American Library

Baltimore city Homicide Detective J.D. Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of violence but nothing like the trail of tortured bodies that are turning up throughout the city. And now he's starting to suspect that his medical examiner, Dr. Lucy Trask, may be shielding a dark secret that could connect her to these vicious killings-and put her next on the killer's hit list...

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Karen Rose RS, Book #12

Ames: Karen Rose is an autobuy author for me.

Nath: I bought the UK version of this book so I've read it already and I really enjoyed it. It's Karen Rose and for me, she is the Queen of RS :P

Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton
published by Berkley

Word has leaked to Anita Blake that hit men are headed for St. Louis- and that she, Jean-Claude, and Richard are the targets.

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Series: Anita Blake, Book #20

Ames: Yes I am still reading this series. Will I read this book? Yes. Will I buy this book? No. So either the library or used book store for this one. But I'm still going to read it.

Hexed by Kevin Hearne
published by Del Rey (Bantam Books)

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, doesn’t care much for witches. Still, he’s about to make nice with the local coven by signing a mutually beneficial nonaggression treaty—when suddenly the witch population in modern-day Tempe, Arizona, quadruples overnight. And the new girls are not just bad, they’re badasses with a dark history on the German side of World War II.

With a fallen angel feasting on local high school students, a horde of Bacchants blowing in from Vegas with their special brand of deadly decadence, and a dangerously sexy Celtic goddess of fire vying for his attention, Atticus is having trouble scheduling the witch hunt. But aided by his magical sword, his neighbor’s rocket-propelled grenade launcher, and his vampire attorney, Atticus is ready to sweep the town and show the witchy women they picked the wrong Druid to hex.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book #2

Nath: Read and enjoyed Hounded :) Am looking forward to see in what scrape Atticus finds himself :) I like the fact that there are witches in here and perhaps we'll get to know Atticus' buddies better!

Ames: I'm interested in this one because I know you enjoyed Hounded, which I haven't had a chance to read yet.

Everlasting by Alyson Noel
published by St. Martin's Press

Their epic love story has captured the hearts of millions and enchanted readers across the world. In this beautiful finale, their journey draws to a spectacular conclusion—where all will be revealed.

Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body. If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch—and experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for. But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet... into the dark heart of Summerland.

Here in a land of scorched earth and endless rain, Ever and Damen will discover their relationship’s hidden origins, expose a secret history they never imagined... and come face to face with thetruereason fate keeps tearing them apart. Only then, when the final mystery is unraveled and the last secret revealed, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake...even eternity.

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: The Immortals, Book #6

Monroe: I love this series!!!! I hate this is the final book but at the same time I've been waiting for some much needed resolution!

Bad Company by KA Mitchell
published by Samhain Publishing

Some things are sweeter than revenge.

“I need a boyfriend.”

Hearing those words from the mouth of his very straight ex-friend is enough to make columnist and editor Nate Gray choke on his Corona. It’s been thirteen years since Kellan Brooks’s father crushed Nate’s family on his climb to wealth and power. Even longer since he entrusted Kellan with the confession that he might be gay—only to have his best friend out and humiliate him to their entire high school. The last thing Nate expects is Kellan begging for his help.

Breaking off his engagement to a senator’s daughter was the last straw for Kellan’s CEO father. Frustrated at being cut off, his father’s stinging words—that he wishes Kellan had never been born—still ringing in his ears, Kellan turns to Nate. In a move worthy of a corporate raider, Kellan plans the ultimate revenge. Come out as the boyfriend of the man his homophobic father betrayed.

Convincing Nate to play along isn’t easy. It’s even harder to figure out why the lie feels so close to the truth.

Warning: Contains old friends, old enemies, a dramatic cat rescue, soft drink references and a lot of teasing before the steamy sex. Readers are cautioned against drinking any beverage while reading to avoid accidental snorting or spraying of said beverages.

Genre: m/m
Series: none

Ames: I really enjoy Mitchell's writing and this one sounds like the good old former-friends-now-enemies-to-lovers theme I do so enjoy! haha

June 14

Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
published by Egmont USA

Bryn is now leader of the Cedar Ridge pack of werewolves and she's convinced that her pack is different - it's democratic and fair. Then Bryn finds a battered teenage Were, Connor, bleeding on her front porch. He begs Bryn to protect him from an abusive leader; Bryn takes him into her pack.

But Bryn's Were partner Chase doesn't trust the new boy, and the more time she spends helping Connor, the more aggressive Chase becomes. Bryn is not sure if it's jealousy, or Were possessiveness but for the first time she starts to feel suffocated by the bond she and Chase share.

Filled with action, unlikely allies, and deadly conspiracies, Trial by Fire will change Bryn forever. She is soon to realise that to lead a pack of werewolves, she must give in to her animal instincts and become a little less human. And as hard as it's going to be, Bryn is going to have to do it alone.

There can only be one alpha.

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: Raised by Wolves #2

Ames: I read and enjoyed Raised by Wolves and can't wait to see what'll happen to Bryn in this sequel. Eep!

Monroe: I've really been meaning to read the first one in this series since Ames loved it so much! I'm gonna need to get both now!

Nath: Still have to read Raised by Wolves first, but this book sounds intense!

Come Unto These Yellow Sands by Josh Lanyon
published by Samhain Publishing

Sometimes the adventure chooses you.

Lover of fine poetry and lousy choose-your-own-adventure novels, Professor Sebastian Swift was once the bad-boy darling of the literati. The only lines he does these days are Browning, Frost and Cummings. Even his relationship with the hot, handsome Wolfe Neck Police Chief Max Prescott is healthy.

When one of his most talented students comes to him bruised and begging for help, Swift hands over the keys to his Orson Island cabin—only to find out that the boy’s father is dead and the police are suspicious. In an instant, the stable life Swift has built for himself hangs on finding the boy and convincing him to give himself up before Max figures out Swift’s involvement in the case.

Max enjoys splitting an infinitive or two with his favorite nutty professor, but he’s not much for sonnets or Shakespeare. He likes being lied to even less. Yet his instincts—and his heart—tell him his lover is being played. Max can forgive lies and deception, but a dangerous enemy may not stop until Swift is heading up his own dead poet’s society.

Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that Josh Lanyon’s smart, sexy, sophisticated stories may prove hazardous to your heart.

Genre: m/m
Series: none

Ames: Josh is an auto-buy author for me. :P

June 28

Waking Up with the Duke by Lorraine Heath
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)

They are masters of seduction, London's greatest lovers...

Renowned for his bedchamber prowess, Ransom Seymour, the Duke of Ainsley, owes a debt to a friend. But the payment expected is most shocking, even to an unrepentant rake—for he's being asked to provide his friend's exquisite wife with what she most dearly covets: a child.

Living for pleasure, they will give their hearts to no one...

Lady Jayne Seymour, Marchioness of Walfort, is furious that such a scandalous agreement would be made. If she acquiesces, there must be rules: no kissing... and, certainly, no pleasure.

Until love takes them by surprise.

But unexpected things occur with the surprisingly tender duke—especially once Lady Jayne discovers the rogue can make her dream again... and Ransom realizes he's found the one woman he truly cannot live without.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: London's Greatest Lovers, Book #3

Ames: I've read the first 2 books in this series and I'm anxious for this one, it sounds so good!

Nath: Can't wait for this book!! I'm really looking forward to it!! Wonder how the H/H will get their HEA ending!

Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)

From the Design Book of Marcelline Noirot:
The allure of the perfect gown should be twofold:
ladies would die to wear it...
and gentlemen would kill to remove it!

Brilliant and ambitious dressmaker Marcelline Noirot is London's rising star. And who better to benefit from her talent than the worst-dressed lady in the ton, the Duke of Clevedon's intended bride? Winning the future duchess's patronage means prestige and fortune for Marcelline and her sisters. To get to the lady, though, Marcelline must win over Clevedon, whose standards are as high as his morals are... not.

The prize seems well worth the risk—but this time Marcelline's met her match. Clevedon can design a seduction as irresistible as her dresses; and what begins as a flicker of desire between two of the most passionately stubborn charmers in London soon ignites into a delicious inferno... and a blazing scandal.

And now both their futures hang by anexquisite thread of silk...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Dressmaker Sisters, Book #1

Ames: I like the sounds of this one. And Loretta is another auto-buy author for me. :P

Nath: Ms Chase is hit and miss for me, but I think this one is going to be a hit :) I like the idea that the heroine is a dressmaker. It's always interesting to have characters not from nobility in that time period!

A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Meredith Duran
published by Simon & Schuster

In gritty, working-class London, she does what she must to survive...

When Nell Whitby breaks into an earl’s house on a midnight quest for revenge, she finds her pistol pointed at the wrong man—one handsome as sin and naked as the day he was born. Pity he’s a lunatic. He thinks her a missing heiress, but more to the point, he’ll help her escape the slums and right a grave injustice. Not a bad bargain. All she has to do is marry him.

A notorious ladies' man could take her from poverty to opulence... but at what price?

A rake of the first order, Simon St. Maur spent his restless youth burning every bridge he crossed. When he inherits an earldom without a single penny attached to it, he sees a chance to start over—provided he can find an heiress to fund his efforts. But his wicked reputation means courtship will be difficult—until fate sends him the most notorious missing heiress in history. All he needs now is to make her into a lady and keep himself from making the only mistake that could ruin everything: falling in love...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: none

Ames: I really enjoy Meredith's writing and this one sounds really interesting!

Nath: I totally agree with you Ames. Ms Duran is another hit and miss author, but the blurb really sounds good! I love that kind of story :)

Kindling the Moon by Jenn Bennett
published by Simon & Schuster

Meet Arcadia Bell: bartender, renegade magician, fugitive from the law...

Being the spawn of two infamous occultists (and alleged murderers) isn't easy, but freewheeling magician Arcadia "Cady" Bell knows how to make the best of a crummy situation. After hiding out for seven years, she's carved an incognito niche for herself slinging drinks at the demon-friendly Tambuku Tiki Lounge.

But she receives an ultimatum when unexpected surveillance footage of her notorious parents surfaces: either prove their innocence or surrender herself. Unfortunately, the only witness to the crimes was an elusive Æthyric demon, and Cady has no idea how to find it. She teams up with Lon Butler, an enigmatic demonologist with a special talent for sexual spells and an arcane library of priceless stolen grimoires. Their research soon escalates into a storm of conflict involving missing police evidence, the decadent Hellfire Club, a ruthless bounty hunter, and a powerful occult society that operates way outside the law. If Cady can't clear her family name soon, she'll be forced to sacrifice her own life... and no amount of running will save her this time.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Arcadia Bell, Book #1

Nath: Okay, I love magicians - witches, sorcerers, wizards, etc. - although in my opinion, there are very few series out there with such characters that are really good. Still, I persist. So go figure :P Not totally thrilled about the sexual spells ^_^; but sounds like a book I should give a shot :)

June 29

Naamah's Blessing by Jacqueline Carey
published by Grand Central Publishing

Returning to Terre d'Ange, Moirin finds the royal family broken. Wracked by unrelenting grief at the loss of his wife, Queen Jehanne, King Daniel is unable to rule. Prince Thierry, leading an expedition to explore the deadly jungles of Terra Nova, is halfway across the world. And three year old Desirée is a vision of her mother: tempestuous, intelligent, and fiery, but desperately lonely, and a vulnerable pawn in a game of shifting political allegiances.

As tensions mount, King Daniel asks that Moirin become Desirée's oath-sworn protector. Navigating the intricate political landscape of the Court proves a difficult challenge, and when dire news arrives from overseas, the spirit of Queen Jehanne visits Moirin in a dream and bids her undertake an impossible quest.

Another specter from the past also haunts Moirin. Travelling with Thierry in the New World is Raphael de Mereliot, her manipulative former lover. Years ago, Raphael forced her to help him summon fallen angels in the hopes of acquiring mystical gifts and knowledge. It was a disastrous effort that nearly killed them, and Moirin must finally bear the costs of those bitter mistakes.

Genre: Fantasy
Series: Kushiel's Legacy, Book #9

Ames: : I'm about 3 books behind in this series but I'm still oh so eager for each book that gets released. People need to read this series!!

May New Releases

2011-05-01T20:12:00.000-04:00

We've fallen behind on our reviews once again... the most unfortunate is that we have reviews, we just need to put it all together ^_^; However, work has really been kicking our butts. At least, this feature is safe :) New month means New Releases post... and wowzer, May is this year's month for new releases!! Also, a nice combination of books we're all looking forward to and promising debut novels :)

Are you ready? Because this might be a wee bit long :P And we apologized in advance for your wallet LOL

May 1st

Ripe for Pleasure by Isobel Carr
published by Grand Central Publishing

Second in line, first in love

A secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it... and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.

Searching for hidden treasure, finding forbidden fantasy.

London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.

Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life... and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Second Sons series, Book #1

Ames: I've been seeing this author blogging over at History Hoydens and her book intrigued me. I've already read this through Netgalley but I wanted to bring it to people's attention. I enjoyed it.

Nath: I'm not much into secret societies, although I like second sons... Will be waiting for your review, Ames :P

Ames: It's not really a secret society and then it was a few buddies coming to help their friend.

A Tapestry of Dreams by Roberta Gellis
published by Sourcebooks (Re-print, originally published by Berkley in 1985)

In the name of peace, Lady Audris locked away her dreams of a passionate love, until Hugh Licorne, the only man in England strong enough to defend her from her enemies, claimed her as his own.

Genre: Historical romance - Medieval
Series: Tales of Jernaeve, Book #1

Ames: Roberta Gellis is an author who's name I've seen bandied about and let me tell you, her books are hard to find! Luckily, Sourcebooks is re-printing some of her titles and I'm so glad about that. I've read this one already as well and let me tell you, it's a welcome break from regencies!

Nath: Hmmm, I've never been much into medieval, but sounds like this one is worth checking out :)

May 3

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
published by Ace (Berkley)

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. But her attention is divided. Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot - which is much more complicated than she knows. Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Sookie Stackhouse, Book #11

Ames: It's Sookie. These books are auto-buys for me.

Monroe: Ditto for me...although I need to read the one before this first lol

Chosen by Blood by Virna DePaul
published by Berkley

United by fate. Bound by desire.

Five years after the Second Civil War ends, humans and otherborn— humanlike creatures with superhuman DNA—still struggle for peace. To ensure the continued rights of both, the FBI forms a Para-Ops team with a unique set of skills.

Leader of an Otherborn clan, half-breed vampire Knox Devereaux would do anything to find a cure for the anti-vamp vaccine slowly starving his people into extinction. When the FBI contacts him about leading a team of hand-selected Others on a mission to reclaim the stolen antidote, Knox accepts. His new assignment places him in direct contact with Special Agent Felicia Locke, the beautiful human he’s craved since their very first meeting.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Para-Ops novels, Book #1

Nath: I'm a bit burned out on paranormal romance; however, there is just something about these three letters, FBI, that may make me overlook that! I think it's worth a look, especially since it's published by Berkley and they have very good paranormal romance series.

Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison
published by Berkley

Half-human and half-wyr, Pia Giovanni spent her life keeping a low profile among the wyrkind and avoiding the continuing conflict between them and their Dark Fae enemies. But after being blackmailed into stealing a coin from the hoard of a dragon, Pia finds herself targeted by one of the most powerful–and passionate—of the Elder Races.

As the most feared and respected of the wyrkind, Dragos Cuelebre cannot believe someone had the audacity to steal from him, much less succeed. And when he catches the thief, Dragos spares her life, claiming her as his own to further explore the desire they’ve ignited in one another.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Elder Races, Book #1

Ames: Holly has been telling me that this book is awesome and she's been pimping it out to everyone. It's finally getting released so I'm very much intrigued!

Nath: Definitively getting this one as well because of the buzz! Holly has made me curious and I've been looking forward to it for months already... but let see if I can hold out till RWA ^_^;

Warcry by Elizabeth Vaughan
published by Berkley

Atira the Bear is a fierce Plains warrior who lives for battle - and values freedom above all else. But when she encounters a former enemy from the land of Xy, she finds herself wanting something more than her own independence.

Heath of Xy has traveled to the Plains to serve his Queen - but also because he cannot resist the hunger he feels for Atira. Now that the Queen and her Warlord are returning to Xy, he has one more chance to convince this beautiful, proud warrior to share her life with him.

But all is not well in Xy. There is a faction of nobles who are plotting against the Queen and her barbarian warlord. As cultures clash and tempers flare, Heath and the fierce Plains warrior woman Atira of the Bear must come together to fight the conspiracy... and to search their hearts for something deeper than raw passion.

Genre: Fantasy romance
Series: Chronicles of Warlands, Book #4

Nath: I love, love, love, love the Chronicles of Warlands series!!! Did you catch that? LOL. Warprize and Warlord are definitively up there in my all-time favorites and I'm just thrilled Ms Vaughan is returning to this series!!

I've actually had the chance to read this book already and I'll have a review up soon over at my blog. All I can say is I love every page of it :) Fans will be happy to see familiar faces and newcomers, well what are you waiting for? Pick up the series and give it a go!

Ames: I'll probably get this book just because you love this series so much. LOL

Monroe: I'll probably get this book because the cover! YUM! ;)

Follow My Lead by Kate Noble
published by Berkley

Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities – one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.

Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership to the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she’ll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one…

Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn’s passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals… and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Loosely connected to Revealed and The Summer of You

Ames: I read and really really enjoyed The Summer of You. So of course I'm interested in this one. I also like that cover!

Nath: I've actually just read The Summer of You not too long ago (like a week ago LOL) and really enjoyed it. I had some issues with Jason's character so I'm interested to see how much he has grown since :P Also, there's just something about Ms Noble's writing that makes her historical romances stand out in my opinion.

And Ames, Ms Noble has been blessed with her covers. This one fit just right in :)

Breaking Point by Pamela Clare
published by Berkley

While investigating border violence in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Denver journalist Natalie Benoit is caught in a bloody ambush and taken captive. Alone in the hands of ruthless killers, she will need every ounce of courage she possesses to survive.

Betrayed by another operative, Deputy U.S. Marshal Zach McBride has endured a week of torture and interrogation at the hands of a bloodthirsty Mexican drug cartel. Ready to give his life if he must, he remains unbroken—until he hears the cries of an American woman.

Although Natalie is only a voice in the darkness of their shared prison, her plight brings renewed strength to Zach's battered body. With her help, he overpowers their captors, and they flee through the desert toward the border, the attraction between them flaring hotter than the Sonoran sun.

But past loss and tragedy leave both of them reluctant to follow their hearts, even when the passion between them reaches its breaking point. Faced with feelings neither expected, they fight to stay ahead of the danger that hunts them as forces more powerful than they can imagine conspire to destroy them both…

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: I-Team series, Book #5

Ames: *sigh* I've read ONE Pamela Clare book (a historical to boot) but I've got all these books in my tbr pile. I need to catch up on this series before I can buy this book, but still wanted to mention it. Because I want it.

Honey Grove by Genell Dellin
published by Berkley

When Lilah Briscoe is seriously injured, her granddaughter Meredith feels compelled to save her farm, Honey Grove, despite their troubled past. Help arrives in the form of bad boy Caleb Burkett, who awakens feelings Meri didn't know she had. Maybe now, Meri will finally find the home she always wanted...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: ?

Nath: Hmmmm, I'm actually still debating about this one. I just wanted to showcase it, because really, we never have enough contemporary romance!

Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie d'Alessandro
published by Berkley

The most basic “girl code” states that you never date a friend’s ex—so wouldn’t it be obvious that a current boyfriend is really off limits—especially to your own sister? Apparently Jamie Newman’s half-sister Laurel didn’t get the memo. Leaving behind New York—and the humiliation—Jamie heads to the tiny barrier island of Seaside Cove, North Carolina, for a quiet summer of healing her broken heart and reassessing her sudden disaster of a life. But instead of solace in a cozy beach cottage, she finds a run-down bungalow complete with stray cats and a leaky roof—and of course it’s raining—and the repairman M.I.A....

Strays and colorful neighbors are nothing compared to her next visitors. First her drama-prone mother barges in. Then her angst-ridden teenage niece arrives. And the grand finale of the crazy storm is the arrival of Laurel, who’s been dumped by Jamie’s ex. And of course there’s the repairman, who’s finally shown his face—and is way too good-looking for Jamie’s own good. It’s clear there’s more to him than meets the eye, and Jamie would like to know what, but with the family she tried to escape now crammed in her ramshackle cottage, she may never get the chance...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: ?

Nath: I've previously read and enjoyed some of Ms d'Alessandro's books, but they were all historicals. As a fan of contemporary romance, it just makes sense for me to give this a try right? Even if this is not Ms d'Alessandro first foray into contemporary territory...

Three to Tango - anthology
published by Berkley

Four of erotic fiction’s most talented authors carry readers away with all-new tales of ecstasy that prove that the most delectable things in life come in threes…

In Emma Holly’s Flipping for Chelsea, Shay and Liam shared an unforgettable night with their lifelong friend, Chelsea, awakening a rush of forbidden feelings—feelings they have to reckon with when the three reunite, and the unrequited lust between them is too much to bear.

Though Ava left her hard-knock Georgia childhood behind, she never forgot Luca and Angelo. Together they were best friends with a bond that could never be broken. But when she returns, the three must decide whether to face the fires that burn between them, or forgo their desires forever in Lauren Dane’s Dirty/Bad/Wrong.

In Megan Hart’s Just One Night, fun-loving couple Kerry and Jeremy find themselves in a triangle of trouble when Kerry’s old crush, Brian, returns for a school reunion, and Jeremy gives her his enthusiastic approval to seduce him. But while Jeremy has no trouble sharing Kerry, Brian isn’t sure he can handle what’s coming.

Years ago, Walker walked out on Madeline when she needed him most. Now, the ex-Secret Service agent is back—hired to protect Madeline by her billionaire boss, Tony. Madeline is determined to make him pay for denying her desires—and she’s not above bringing Tony in to sweeten the deal in Beth Kery’s On the Job.

Genre: Contemporary Erotic romance
Series: N/A

Ames: With Lauren Dane, Megan Hart and Emma Holly in there, OF COURSE I'm going to want to read this!

Nath: Definitively stellar authors in this anthology!

One Whisper Away by Emma Wildes
published by Signet (New American Library)

Lady Cecily Francis has resigned herself to becoming the wife of Lord Drury. But upon her first scandalous encounter with the exotic Earl of Augustine, Cecily is left intrigued and excited...

Known as Earl Savage, the Earl of Augustine is half American and half Iroquois. He can't wait to return to his native soil-until the charming Lady Cecily has him considering a prolonged stay...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Ladies in Waiting, Book #1

Ames: Emma Wildes is an auto-buy author for me. Although I try to stay away from historical books featuring Native American characters (in case you're wondering, I am Native American and can be very very judgemental LOL) I am still anxious to read this one. I know Emma won't let me down.

Nath: Ms Wildes has also become one of my auto-buy authors. I really enjoyed her writing style and her plots are usually very refreshing. I'm not too sure about the Native American Earl, but I guess I'll have to wait and see :P By the way, shouldn't he have some British blood somewhere?

So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
published by Penguin Young Reader Group

When Brooke's crush, Scott, moves from their suburban town to New York City, she decides to follow him there. Living with her formerly estranged dad and adapting to a new school are challenging, and things go from bad to worse when Brooke learns that Scott already has a girlfriend. But as she builds her new life, Brooke begins to discover a side of herself she never knew existed. And as she finds out, in the city that never sleeps, love can appear around any corner...

Genre: Young Adult, contemporary
Series: None

Ames: I've read a few books by this author and although I'm not for a girl chasing after a boy, I know it'll go beyond that in the story.

Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
published by Hyperion Books

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Series: Kane Chronicles, Book #2

Nath: I really enjoy Mr Riordan's writing and looking forward to the next installment of this series :) I definitively love the alternate POVs in this series and can't wait to see what Carter and Sadie are up to :) If you've enjoyed Mr Riordan's Percy Jackson series or enjoy Egyptian mythology, you'll want to pick this up.

Hounded by Kevin Hearne
published by Del Rey (Bantam Books)

Atticus O’Sullivan, last of the Druids, lives peacefully in Arizona, running an occult bookshop and shape-shifting in his spare time to hunt with his Irish wolfhound. His neighbors and customers think that this handsome, tattooed Irish dude is about twenty-one years old—when in actuality, he’s twenty-one centuries old. Not to mention: He draws his power from the earth, possesses a sharp wit, and wields an even sharper magical sword known as Fragarach, the Answerer.

Unfortunately, a very angry Celtic god wants that sword, and he’s hounded Atticus for centuries. Now the determined deity has tracked him down, and Atticus will need all his power—plus the help of a seductive goddess of death, his vampire and werewolf team of attorneys, a sexy bartender possessed by a Hindu witch, and some good old-fashioned luck of the Irish—to kick some Celtic arse and deliver himself from evil.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Iron Druid Chronicles, Book #1

Ames: I want to thank Nath for bringing this one to my attention. I would have totally overlooked this one otherwise. Doesn't it sound kick ass?

Nath: It does, it does!! And did you see that cover? I think the model is really cute! But aside from that, what drew me to this book was the fact that the hero is a druid! That means magic!! I mean, kind of like a wizard, right? The blurb is giving me a little Harry Dresden vibe and I hope it's just as good!! Also, the first three books are going to be released back-to-back... so seriously, what's not to like?

May 10

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
published by Penguin Young Reader

Another town. Another school. Another Mclean. Ever since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her father have been fleeing their unhappy past. And Mclean's become a pro at reinventing herself with each move. But in Lakeview, Mclean finds herself putting down roots and making friends—in part, thanks to Dave, the most real person Mclean's ever met. Dave just may be falling in love with her, but can he see the person she really is? Does Mclean herself know?

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: none

Ames: Eeeep! After reading Along for the Ride last year, I've been anxious for another Sarah Dessen book (I'm slowly glomming her backlist in the meantime). Squee!

Nath: Sounds quite interesting :) Just not sure I'm up for contemporary YA, sigh. Maybe your review will convince me...

My Not So Still Life by Liz Gallagher
published by Random House

Vanessa is wise beyond her years. She's never really fit in at school, where all the kids act and dress the same. She's an artist who expresses her talent in the wacky colors she dyes her hair, her makeup and clothes. She's working on her biggest art project, and counting the days until she's grown up and can really start living. That adult world seems closer when Vanessa gets her dream job at the art supply store, Palette, where she worships the couple who runs it, Oscar and Maye. And she's drawn to a mysterious guy named James, who leads her into new, sometimes risky situations. Is she ready for this world, or not?

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: none

Ames: I read the Opposite of Invisible by this author and loved it. I've been anxious to read something new by her ever since.

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
published by Egmont USA (Mass market paperback released, originally published in June 2010)

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Series: Raised by Wolves series, Book #1

Nath: I've heard a lot of good about this book and Ames really enjoyed it... I've just been cheap and wanted to wait for the trade-size format. I thought I should showcase it again, in case any of you has missed it... I love werewolves :)

Monroe: YES I've wanted to read this series Ames told me about! It sounds SO GOOD!

Of All the Stupid Things by Alexandra Diaz
published by Egmont USA (Mass market paperback released, originally published in June 2010)

When a rumor starts circulating that Tara's boyfriend Brent has been sleeping with one of the guy cheerleaders, the innuendo doesn't just hurt Tara. It marks the beginning of the end for an inseparable trio of friends. Tara's training for a marathon, but also running from her fear of abandonment after being deserted by her father. Whitney Blaire seems to have everything, but an empty mansion and absentee parents leave this beauty to look for meaning in all the wrong places. And Pinkie has a compulsive need to mother everyone to make up for the mom she's never stopped missing. This friendship that promised to last forever is starting to break under the pressure of the girls' differences.

And then new-girl Riley arrives in school with her long black hair, athletic body, and her blasé attitude, and suddenly Tara starts to feel things she's never felt before for a girl--and to reassess her feelings about Brent and what he may/may not have done. Is Tara gay--or does she just love Riley? And can her deepest friendships survive when all of the rules have changed?

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: none

Ames: This one sounds so very interesting. I've read some glbt YA featuring boys but I thought it would be good to switch it up and read about girls falling in love. :)

May 24

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
published by Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster)

Abby accepted that she can’t measure up to her beautiful, magnetic sister Tess a long time ago, and knows exactly what she is: Second best. Invisible.

Until the accident.

Now Tess is in a coma, and Abby’s life is on hold. It may have been hard living with Tess, but it's nothing compared to living without her.

She's got a plan to bring Tess back though, involving the gorgeous and mysterious Eli, but then Abby learns something about Tess, something that was always there, but that she’d never seen.

Abby is about to find out that truth isn't always what you think it is, and that life holds more than she ever thought it could...

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: none

Ames: Another YA author I've read and enjoyed in the past. I look forward to reading this one.

Nath: Hmmm, when I read the blurb, it sounded familiar. The storyline seems to be quite similar to Then I Met my Sister by Christine Hurley Deriso that was released last month...

Sinful Magic by Jennifer Lyon
published by Ballantine Books (Random House Publishing)

A forbidden love will fulfill her destiny

Roxanne “Roxy” Banfield refuses to be like her mother, a fertility witch who uses sex as nothing more than a magical weapon. Roxy rejects that life and is determined to become mortal to pursue her dream of real love and a family. All she has to do is avoid meeting the one man whose sensuality can release her powers. But steering clear of this magnetic stranger is easier said than done.

Wing Slayer Hunter Kieran “Key” DeMicca channels the dark violence that lives inside him into a popular comic book series about an ancient dragon named Dyfyr, but only Key knows that Dyfyr is real. Lately he finds himself drawing images of a young woman in peril, and assumes that she’s just a product of his imagination—until he meets Roxy. Struck by her beauty and her resemblance to his sketches, he feels compelled to protect her. As steamy magic, lethal danger, and timeless love collide, Roxy must become what she swore she would never be—and inadvertently awake a part of Key that will threaten to destroy them both.

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Wing Slayers Hunters series, Book #4

Nath: You read this series, Ames? I didn't realize!

Ames: Umm...you know me...I buy the books but they're still in my tbr pile. LOL

Nath: LOL. I still have the first book in my TBR pile ^_^;

The Secret Desires of a Governess by Tiffany Clare
published by St. Martin's Press

From the moment Abby meets her new employer—the mysterious, brooding Earl of Brendall—she is appalled by his brutish manner... and even moreso by her own attraction to him. Has she lost her senses? As a governess, Abby has no choice but to play by the rules. But as a woman, she cannot deny the fiery sensations he ignites—or the fantasies he inspires...

From the moment Elliott lays eyes on his new young governess, he knows he’s in trouble. Abby is intelligent, defiant, and utterly captivating, though Elliott must do his very best to resist her. But as the two grow closer, the passion burns hotter. Soon, the only thing that can destroy their love is the darkest secret of his past—and the secret desires of a governess...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Book #3 in trilogy (The Surrender of a Lady and The Seduction of his Wife)

Ames: That cover! I love it!! This one sounds soooo juicy! Even though I've never read anything by this author before, I want this book.

Nath: I agree on the cover. It's the color!

A Courtesan's Guide to Getting Your Man by Celeste Bradley & Susan Donovan
published by St. Martin's Press

Regency London’s most celebrated courtesan, The Blackbird, was a woman before her time—uninhibited, financially independent, and free to live by her own rules. Schooled in the sensual arts by the one man she loved the most, she recorded every wicked detail in her diaries...

When Boston museum curator Piper Chase-Pierpont unearths The Blackbird’s steamy memoirs, she’s aroused and challenged by what she finds. Could the courtesan’s diaries be used as a modern girl’s guide to finding love and empowerment? One curious curator—and one very lucky man—are about to find out...

Genre: Historical and Contemporary romance
Series: none

Ames: I like Susan's writing and have never read Celeste Bradley before. It'll be interesting to see how this collaboration works out.

Nath: Now, I'm curious as well. Wendy brought up this book on her blog a few months ago and I was surprised to see Ms Donovan's name linked to a historical romance... Now it makes sense and I'm tempted LOL.

Monroe: LOVE Susan Donovan SOLD!

May 31

Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
published by Berkley

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would've been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other's secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna's darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home... and the alpha who is its heartbeat...

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Psy-Changelings series, Book #10

Ames: I'm just a few books behind on the series but you know I'm getting this one. I can't wait to read it!! And no, I won't read out of order. So I have some catching up to do. LOL

Nath: I want! I want! I want! Although I'm trying not to build up my expectations too much... but so far, the reviews have been great, so I want ASAP! LOL.

Monroe: I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!! This author is an auto buy for me!!! Woop!

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
published by Berkley

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price...

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Kate Daniels series, Book #5

Nath: Really, why are these all released on the same day? I've really enjoyed the last two installment in the Kate Daniels series. I'm looking forward to this one as well... although I have to admit, I'm a bit disappointed it concerns vampire - not my favorite creature in this world. Then again, I want my Kate and Curran's fix!

Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)

Honoria Smythe-Smith is:
A) a really bad violinist
B) still miffed at being nicknamed "Bug" as a child
C) NOT in love with her older brother's best friend
D) all of the above

Marcus Holroyd is:
A) the Earl of Chatteris
B) regrettably prone to sprained ankles
C) NOT in love with his best friend's younger sister
D) all of the above

Together they:
A) eat quite a bit of chocolate cake
B) survive a deadly fever AND the world's worst musical performance
C) fall quite desperately in love

It's Julia Quinn at her best, so you KNOW the answer is...
D) all of the above

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Smythe-Smith girls, Book #1

Ames: I looooove JQ and Wena said this book is cute. I can't wait to read it!

Nath: I'm so excited that the Smythe-Smith girls are having their own books! LOL. I think we're in for some laughs :P I was going to wait till RWA since Ms Quinn will be there... but after reading the blurb, I don't think I can!

Lord Langley Is Back In Town by Elizabeth Boyle
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)

Lord Langley and Minerva, Lady Standon, began their faux engagement with three simple rules set down by the baron's all-too-proper (and utterly unlikely) bride-to-be.

1. No more kissing. The intoxicating kiss Langley stole from her lips still has Minerva aflutter.

2. She will not share his bed. (For if his kiss is that tempting, Minerva doesn't dare imagine what a night in Langley's embrace will do to her already addled senses.)

3. No scandals during their engagement. With the infamous Langley back in Town, there is no lack of trouble he can bring to Minerva's unblemished reputation.

Oh, the wily Lord Langley will keep his word—but that doesn't mean he won't use every rakish trick he knows to get Minerva to break her own proper rules, especially once he realizes that this convenient arrangement has led him to the only woman he's ever loved...

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Bachelor Chronicles, Book #8

Ames: I didn't realize this was part of a series. Oh well. It still sounds interesting!!

Nath: Yep, part of a series. I'm not too certain about this one... I'm a bit put off by the fact that Langley is the father of the heroines from Love Letters from a Duke and Confessions of a little Black Gown. I know, I know, I'm shallow... but really! Plus, Ms Boyle's couple last books haven't really worked for me...

Blood Ties by Sharon Sala
published by Mira (Harlequin)

The truth will set you free - if it doesn’t get you killed.

Savannah Slade is not the person she thought she was. The reading of her “father’s” will has led her to a worldshattering revelation: her sisters are not her blood kin—and she may be the heiress to a massive fortune. Her not-quite-fiancé Judd doesn’t care where she came from—he only wants her by his side. But the primal need to uncover her past wins out, and Savannah trades the Montana ranges for Miami’s moneyed oceanside enclaves.

The wealthy and powerful Stoss family is less than overjoyed to find that Gerald Stoss’s daughter has merged from the past. But theirs is a clan seldom troubled by... inconveniences. They’ve always had the means to eradicate any blemish on their perfect lives. One more won’t make a difference.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: The Searchers trilogy, Book #2

Nath: I'm a fan of Ms Sala! Love her books :) That says it all, right?

Baby, Drive South by Stephanie Bond
published by Mira (Harlequin)

Southern town seeks single women. Lots of them!

The hardheaded Armstrong brothers are determined to rebuild their tornado-ravaged hometown in the Georgia mountains. They’ve got the means, they’ve got the manpower... what they need are women! So they place an ad in a northern newspaper and wait for the ladies to answer their call...

Porter, the youngest Armstrong, is all for importing women. Still, he’s so blown away by the sheer numbers, he falls off the water tower. Luckily there’s a doctor among the newcomers—sweet and sexy Dr. Nikki Salinger.

And Porter has every intention of checking out her bedside manner...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: A Southern Road trilogy, Book #1

Nath: This sounds like contemporary pioneers LOL. I think it can be fun and once again, contemporary romance! By the way, funny how Susan Mallery has this series with this town predominantly female and now, Ms Bond has a series with a town full of bachelors and both series from the same publishing house! Hmmm, I wonder if there could be a cross-over... That'd be fun!

Ames: There's a prequel for this book available for free at Amazon right now.

The Girl Who Disappeared Twice by Andrea Kane
published by Mira (Harlequin)

She couldn't stop it. Not Then. Not now.

Despite all her years determining the fates of families, veteran family court judge Hope Willis couldn’t save her own. If only she’d turned her head, she would have seen the car containing her daughter, struggling to get out.

Now she’s frantically grasping at any hope for Krissy’s rescue. Her husband dead-set against it, she calls Casey Woods and her team of renegade investigators, Forensic Instincts. A behaviorist. A techno-wizard. An intuitive. A former Navy SEAL. Unconventional operatives. All with unique talents, skills and personal reasons for being part of Casey’s team, they’ll do whatever it takes.

Able to accurately read people after the briefest of encounters, Casey leads her team to Krissy’s home. There she picks up the signs of a nervous spouse, a guilty conscience, a nanny that hides on her cell. She watches as secrets beg to creep into the open.

Forensic Instincts will dig through each tiny clue and eliminate the clutter. But time is running out, and even working around the clock, the authorities are bound by the legal system. Not so Casey’s team. For they know that the difference between bringing Krissy back alive and disappearing forever could be as small as a suspect’s rapid breathing, or as deep as Hope’s dark family history.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense (?)
Series: ?

Nath: I'm not really sure if this one contains romance or not... I've read most of Ms Kane's romantic suspense novels and enjoyed them immensely... Now that she's switched to Mira, it's double yay for me! Looking forward to this book and it sounds quite suspenseful and thrilling!

Zach's Law by Kay Hooper
published by Bantam Books (Re-print, originally published in December 1987)

When car trouble leaves her stranded in a deserted corner of the Rockies, love is the last thing on Teddy Tyler’s mind. But there’s no denying the attraction that grips her the minute she lays eyes on Zach Steele, a rugged security expert staking out a gang of gunrunners in a remote mountain cabin. Zach has survived this long by adhering to a few simple principles: Travel light, travel fast, and travel alone. Now, to keep from blowing his cover, he must hold Teddy hostage for a week—if, that is, he can keep at bay his own simmering feelings for her.

Teddy’s not that easily confined, especially when her man’s in danger. So when a simple surveillance job turns into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, she must convince the original lone wolf to let her help—or see their chance at love fall prey to one of Zach’s deadliest enemies.

Genre: Contemporary romance/Romantic Suspense
Series: Hagen Strikes Again, Book #4

Nath: Every re-print of Kay Hooper's books have been part of this New Releases feature... Do I need to say more? :P

A.J.'s Angel by L.A. Witt
published by Samhain

Tattoos fade with time. Emotions never lose their edge.

Luke Emerson is the last person Sebastian Wakefield expects to see strolling into his tattoo shop. But Luke’s not back after four years to take up where they left off. Not even to apologize for the cheating that broke them up.

Luke wants a custom tattoo, a memorial for someone known only as “A.J.”. Much as Seb would love to tell Luke to take this ink and shove it, he’s a professional. Plus, he’s reluctant to admit, he wouldn’t mind getting his hands on Luke again. Even if it’s just business.

Once Luke’s in the tattoo chair, though, Seb finds himself struggling with all the anger and resentment he thought he’d left behind—and those aren’t the only feelings reignited. Their relationship may have been turbulent, but it was also passionate. Four years clearly hasn’t been long enough for the embers of that fire to go cold.

A few subtle hints from Luke is all it takes to make Seb consider indulging in some of that physical passion. It shouldn’t be that tough to keep his emotions from getting tangled up in sweaty sheets.

After all, it’s not like he’s in love with Luke anymore. Right?

Warning: Contains two exes who shouldn’t want each other like this, steamy ex-sex they shouldn’t be having, and a whole lot of ink.

Genre: M/M
Series: ?

Ames: I had to get at least one M/M title in this month's post. LOL I really enjoy L.A. Witt's writing and I'm looking forward to reading this.

Monroe: Yummy cover! ;)