Saturday, November 1

New Releases - November 2014

How was Halloween? Did you get scared? LOL. Can you believe I saw no kids?!

Well here we are, the beginning of a new month. Two little short months and it'll be the end of the year. Okay, that's scary! I'm so not ready for 2014 to be over! One thing I can't understand though is that the holidays are coming... so why are there so few new releases?! Don't they know that books make great gifts?

I think this is one of our shortest list ever! So make sure to point out any books we forgot!


November 3

Starstruck by LA Witt
published by Riptide Publishing
Hollywood is full of dirty secrets, but Carter refuses to be Levi’s.

Retired action star Levi Pritchard has made a quiet life for himself in the sleepy logging town of Bluewater Bay, Washington. But then Hollywood comes to film the wildly popular television series Wolf’s Landing, and Bluewater Bay isn’t so sleepy anymore. His retirement doesn’t stick, either, because he’s offered a part on the show—exactly the kind of complex role he’d always wanted, one that would prove him more than a glorified stuntman. The only catch? He has to stay in the closet—no matter how attractive he finds his co-star.

Carter Samuels is the critically-acclaimed male lead on Wolf’s Landing. And now, the man who inspired him to take up acting—and made him realize he’s gay—is joining the cast, and sparks fly between them instantly. But Carter is out and proud and determined to stay true to himself.

Remaining just friends is the only thing to do, as both the studio and Levi’s disapproving, dysfunctional family keep reminding them. Except their friendship deepens by the day, tempting them with what they can’t have but both desperately need.
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Series: Bluewater Bay, Book #1

Ames: Eeeeeee!  I love Witt's writing and everything about this blurb makes me feel all grabby hands. Haha


November 4

The Kraken King by Meljean Brook
published by Berkley
A former smuggler and thief, Ariq—better known as the Kraken King—doesn’t know what to make of the clever, mysterious woman he rescues from an airship besieged by marauders. Unsure if she’s a spy or a pawn in someone else’s game, Ariq isn’t about to let her out of his sight until he finds out…

After escaping her fourth kidnapping attempt in a year, Zenobia Fox has learned to vigilantly guard her identity. While her brother Archimedes is notorious for his exploits, Zenobia has had no adventures to call her own—besides the stories she writes.

But when she jumps at the chance to escape to the wilds of Australia and acquire research for her next story, Zenobia quickly discovers that the voyage will be far more adventurous than any fiction she could put to paper…
Genre: Steampunk
Series: The Iron Seas, Book #4

Nath: The Kraken King serial was a good experiment, but seriously, nothing beats a complete, full-length novel!! A bit disappointed they chose that cover in the end... it's a bit generic and doesn't tell much about the story.

Ames: That is a bit of a weird cover, now that you mention it. I'm behind in this series, but not too badly so I hope I'll get to this book eventually. I didn't buy it while it was in installments because I was behind in the series. But I'll buy the completed novel.


Romancing the Billionaire by Jessica Clare
published by Penguin (InterMix)
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society. Six men of astonishing wealth. But there’s one thing money can’t buy. When it comes to love, success doesn't come so easily...

Jonathan Lyons. Playboy, billionaire, and adventurer, he lives life on the edge. When he hears that his mentor, Dr. Phineas DeWitt, had a secret journal that leads to a legendary artifact, Jonathan takes action. It stirs his blood, but it comes with a heady challenge: DeWitt's daughter Violet. She has what Jonathan needs. And she’s not giving it up it to the man who broke her heart.

Violet is Jonathan’s weakness—he’s still in love despite their volatile breakup a decade ago. But Violet’s memories have a sharper edge. She’s never forgiven him for abandoning her. Or so she thought. When Jonathan’s attentions turn seductive, she’s in danger of falling for him all over again. And she can’t help but wonder... does he really want her, or just what she's hiding?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Billionaire's Boys Club, Book #5

Ames: I'm really liking this series. I don't care so much for the secret society but meh, whatever brings hot guys together. haha


Make You Remember by Macy Beckett
published by New American Library (Signet)
He's about to make his own luck.

Ten years ago, Beau Dumont made the biggest mistake of his life by letting his high school sweetheart, Devyn Mauvais, slip through his fingers. Now the reformed bad boy will stop at nothing to get her back. Even if it means tricking her into taking a job on his family's riverboat, The Belle of the Bayou.

When Devyn's old flame offers her a stint at the boat's day care center, she sees it as a chance to prove she isn’t just the descendant of Louisiana's most infamous voodoo queen. Besides, it beats leading ghost tours around New Orleans. Yet when it comes to Beau, Devyn's all business. She won't give the sweet-talking playboy another chance to break her heart.

But there's no escaping temptation in such close quarters, and Beau won't be satisfied with a few hot nights with the girl he's always loved. As he strives to make Devyn remember the good times, will his passion and heart be enough to regain her trust?
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Dumont Bachelors, Book #2

Nath: Ms Beckett has been on my to-try list of authors for a while. Finally, I read the first book in this series, Make You Mine. While I didn't fall in love with it, I' curious enough about Beau and Devyn to mark this one down on my radar and I want to give another go at this author :)


Tainted Blood by M.L. Brennan
published by New American Library (ROC)
In the third Generation V novel, Fortitude Scott proves that working with family can be deadly…

Former film student Fortitude Scott is finally gainfully employed. Unfortunately, said employment happens to be with a group of sociopathic vampires—his family. And as much as Fort is loath to get too deep into the family business, when his brother, Chivalry, is temporarily unable to run the territory, it’s up to Fort to keep things under control.

So when the leader of a powerful faction of shifters turns up murdered, Fort finds himself tracking down a killer while navigating dangerous rivalries, longtime grudges, and hidden agendas. Even with the help of his foxy kitsune sidekick, Suzume, he’ll need to pull out all the stops to hunt for the paranormal assassin.

But as he calls on fairies, witches, and ghouls for help, he discovers that the problem is much bigger than a single dead werebear. The supernatural community is preparing for a massive shift in power within the Scott family leadership—and Fort has landed right in the middle of the gathering storm.…
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Generation V, Book #3

Nath: Speaking of the to-try authors list... Here's another author I've been wanting to give a chance. I'm always on the look out for new urban fantasy series and this one was brought to my attention as I've really heard good comments. Only three books behind, not bad :P


November 6

Closer than You Think by Karen Rose
published by Headline
Psychologist Faith Corcoran is desperate to escape the stalker who’s made her life a nightmare for the past year—desperate enough to run to the one place that has been her nightmare far longer. Both boon and bane, her recent inheritance of her grandmother’s old house in Cincinnati offers sanctuary in which she can start her life anew, but requires that she face the dark memories that still resonate to this day.

But she has no idea how close to home her fears still are.

Two college girls have gone missing in the area, and FBI Special Agent Deacon Novak is called to work on the case. When his inquiry unexpectedly leads him to Faith, he finds a beautiful and brave woman he can’t help but fall for. Soon they’ll discover that this seemingly simple investigation is anything but. Reaching back decades into Faith’s own past, it will shatter everything she believes to be true and will give terrifying new meaning to flesh and blood.
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Faith Corcoran, Book #1

Nath: Woooohooo!! My Karen Rose fix of the year! Can't wait to get my hand on this book. Already pre-ordered and hoping it'll come early :) Happy that the book is Deacon's... He was a really interesting character.

Ames:  Ok, more than any other author, I feel so bad about falling behind on Rose's series. :( I still buy her books faithfully because its Karen Rose so I know I'll get this one. Maybe that'll be the author I glom in 2015. :P

Nath: I sure hope so, Ames!! Because Ms Rose is definitively one of my favorite authors!! Oh, P.S. This is the UK edition release... For the North American one, it only comes out in February 2015. No way I'm waiting that long ^_^;


November 10

There's Something About Ari by L.B. Gregg
published by Riptide Publishing
Buck Ellis’s future seems pretty damn bright. With a full college scholarship in hand, he’s going to ditch Bluewater Bay and pave the way for his kid brother Charlie to do the same. The only fly in Buck’s ointment is his ten-year addiction to his best friend since second grade, his true love, and his Achilles heel: Ari Valentine, Mr. Least Likely to Succeed.

But then Buck’s mother dies, changing everything, and five years later, his future is still on hold. It’s a struggle to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, and Charlie on the straight and narrow. Buck can’t afford any temptation, especially in the form of the newly returned, super hot, super confident, super successful television star Ari Valentine.

ADHD poster-child Ari Valentine left for Hollywood and lost everything, including his bad reputation. Then the breakthrough role of his skyrocketing career lands him back in Bluewater Bay, to the stunned disbelief of, well, everyone. But there’s only one person Ari longs to impress—the only person who ever really mattered to him, the person he left behind: Buck Ellis.
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Series: Bluewater Bay, Book #2

Ames: I like Gregg's writing. I like friends to lovers. And so I'm thinking I'm probably really going to like this book.  Also, this isn't the first series coming out of Riptide Publishing by various authors and I really enjoyed the other one, forget the name, but it was good.


November 11

Love, in Spanish by Karina Halle
published by Karina Halle
The companion to the highly emotional, scandalous and USA Today Bestselling love story - LOVE, IN ENGLISH - is finally here! Love, in Spanish is a Love, in English follow-up novel told from Mateo Casalles' POV. While Love, in Spanish touches on some events that happened in LIE (you know the ones!) it is a whole new story set a year later that continues with Vera and Mateo's "happily ever after."
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Lie, Book #2

Ames: I'm one of those sick people who likes to read about cheating in books. LOL So book 1 in this series, told from Vera's POV was one I enjoyed. I cannot wait to see how the HEA unfolds from Mateo's point of view.


November 17

Gifted by Kelley Armstrong
published by Kelley Armstrong
Contains two holiday stories, one Otherworld Pack and one Cainsville.

Gabriel’s Gargoyles - (Cainsville short story, Gabriel Walsh as 10 year old narrator.) Cainsville was where a boy could walk the streets safely at any time, day or night. Where everyone was genuinely glad to see you, and didn’t think you were odd if you wanted to keep to yourself. Because Cainsville was odd, too. For one thing, there are the gargoyles. Unlike the others, Gabriel doesn’t believe the carven creatures came to life to protect the town. It’s up to a boy to protect himself. Now he’s determined to find the last hidden gargoyle by winter Solstice. He’s also determined to get the perfect gift for his great-aunt Rose. And when Gabriel Walsh sets goals, he achieves them…one way or another.

The Puppy Plan (Otherworld novella, 9 year old Logan Danvers as narrator.) When Logan finds an puppy abandoned by the roadside a few days before Christmas, he knows it’s a sign. His sister Kate wants a dog more than anything. Their parents aren’t completely opposed to the idea. It’s just a bad time. A really bad time. Maybe next year. But now there’s this puppy in need of a home and a girl in need of a pet… So how does a boy who always plays by the rules give his sister what she wants most?
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: connected to Otherworld series and Cainsville series

Nath: Huge fan of Ms Armstrong :) This one sounds cute! Can't wait to read more about Logan and Kate. Jeez, they're 9 already?!


November 18

Captivated by You by Sylvia Day
published by Berkley
Gideon calls me his angel, but he's the miracle in my life. My gorgeous, wounded warrior, so determined to slay my demons while refusing to face his own.

The vows we'd exchanged should have bound us tighter than blood and flesh. Instead they opened old wounds, exposed pain and insecurities, and lured bitter enemies out of the shadows. I felt him slipping from my grasp, my greatest fears becoming my reality, my love tested in ways I wasn't sure I was strong enough to bear.

At the brightest time in our lives, the darkness of his past encroached and threatened everything we'd worked so hard for. We faced a terrible choice: the familiar safety of the lives we'd had before each other or the fight for a future that suddenly seemed an impossible and hopeless dream...
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Crossfire, Book #4

Ames: I just finished book 3 in preparation of this one. Oh man did I hate how that one ended so abruptly!!  And I can already guess at how book 4 will end the same way...and how.  But I'm going to have to wait and see how that'll pan out in the book. I just love the drama between Eva and Gideon. Coming from another writer, I don't think I'd put up with the back and forth but Day just has a way with words. :P


November 25

Black Widow by Jennifer Estep
published by Simon & Schuster (Pocket Books)
There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan.

With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully ...more
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin, Book #12

Nath: Looking forward to see in which direction the series is heading in. While predictable, this series is still quite enjoyable.


Night Shift - Anthology
published by Berkley
Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance plunge readers into the dangerous, captivating world unearthed beyond the dark...

New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh delivers a smoldering story with Secrets at Midnight , as the scent of Bastien Smith’s elusive lover ignites a possessiveness in him that’s as feral as it is ecstatic. And now that he’s found his mate, he’ll do anything to keep her.

In #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews’ novella, Magic Steals , when people start going missing, shapeshifting tigress Dali Harimau and jaguar shifter Jim Shrapshire must uncover the truth about the mysterious creatures responsible.

From Milla Vane—a warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. But she quickly discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

It’s seer Makenna Frazier's first day on the job at Supernatural Protection and Investigations, and her first assignment is more than she bargained for when bodyguard duty for a leprechaun prince’s bachelor party goes every which way but right in national bestselling author Lisa Shearin’s Lucky Charms .
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: various

Nath: It's rare that I'm interested in all the stories in anthology, but it's the case with Night Shift! :) Can't wait to read Dali and Jim's new story! They're one of my favorite couples in the Kate Daniels series. Ms Singh's novellas are always cute :P I've also enjoyed Ms Shearin's new series and looking forward to see what Mac is up to. As for those who are unaware, Milla Vane is Meljean Brook's new pseudonym... I'm intrigued by this new series of hers.

Ames: I'm looking forward to read this for the Singh and Vane stories. I'm still behind in the Kate Daniel's series. Is that a surprise?

Nath: No ^_^; LOL.


The Duke's Guide to Proper Behavior by Megan Frampton
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon)
All of London knows the Duke of Rutherford has position and wealth. They also whisper that he’s dissolute, devilish, and determinedly unwed. So why, everyone is asking, has he hired a governess?

When Miss Lily Russell crosses the threshold of the Duke of Rutherford’s stylish townhouse, she knows she has come face to face with sensual danger. For this is no doting papa. Rather, his behavior is scandalous, and his reputation rightly earned. And his pursuit of her is nearly irresistible—but resist she must for the sake of her pupil.

As for the duke himself, it was bad enough when his unknown child landed on his doorstep. Now Lily, with her unassuming beauty, has aroused his most wicked fantasies—and, shockingly, his desire to change his wanton ways. He’s determined to become worthy of her, and so he asks for her help in correcting his behavior.

But Lily has a secret, one that, if it becomes known, could change everything . . .
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Duke's Behaving Badly, Book #1

Ames: I really really enjoy Meg's writing and I'm really looking forward to this book. I like when a no good dissolute rake is brought down by a child and a governess. LOL


Never Judge a Lady by Her Cover by Sarah MacLean
published by Avon
She is the most powerful woman in Britain,
A queen of the London Underworld ...
But no one can ever know.

He is the only man smart enough to uncover the truth,
Putting all she has at risk . . .
Including her heart.

The fourth book in New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean’s incredible Rule of Scoundrels/Fallen Angels series. These four dark heroes will steal the hearts of their heroines and the readers alike! This is the last in the Rules of Scoundrels series—Chase’s story

By day, she is Lady Georgiana, sister to a Duke, ruined before her first season in the worst kind of scandal. But the truth is far more shocking—in London’s darkest corners, she is Chase, the mysterious, unknown founder of the city’s most legendary gaming hell. For years, her double identity has gone undiscovered . . . until now.

Brilliant, driven, handsome-as-sin Duncan West is intrigued by the beautiful, ruined woman who is somehow connected to a world of darkness and sin. He knows she is more than she seems and he vows to uncover all of Georgiana’s secrets, laying bare her past, threatening her present, and risking all she holds dear . . . including her heart.
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Rules of Scoundrels, Book #4

Ames: I read all three of the previous books in late summer (the only historicals I read this year practically) and I really enjoyed them. I had guessed Chase's secret so the grand reveal wasn't a big surprise. And I cannot wait to read her story!


Broken Open by Lauren Dane
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Beyond passion. And beyond their control…

Five years ago, Tuesday Eastwood's life collapsed and left her devastated. After an empty, nomadic existence, she's finally pieced her life back together in the small Oregon town of Hood River. Now Tuesday has everything sorted out. Just so long as men are kept for sex, and only sex…

Then she met him.

Musician and rancher Ezra Hurley isn't the man of Tuesday's dreams. He's a verboten fantasy—a man tortured by past addictions, whose dark charisma and long, lean body promise delicious carnality. But this craving goes far beyond chemistry. It's primal. It's insatiable. And it won't be satisfied until they're both consumed, body and soul…
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: The Hurley Boys, Book #2

Nath: I read the first book in this series. Rock stars seems to be a new trend in contemporary romance :P I'll probably pick this one up when I'm in the mood :)

Ames: I'm always in the mood for a Lauren Dane book!  LOL She's consistent and I love her writing. I really enjoyed book 1 in this series and I cannot wait to read this one. I really like the Hurley brothers.


The Shape of My Heart by Ann Aguirre
published by Harlequin (HQN Books)
Some people wait decades to meet their soul mate. Courtney Kaufman suspects she met hers in high school only to lose him at seventeen. Since then, Courtney's social life has been a series of meaningless encounters, though she's made a few close friends along the way. Especially her roommate Max Cooper, who oozes damaged bad-boy vibes from every pore.

Max knows about feeling lost and trying to move beyond the pain he's been on his own since he was sixteen. Now it's time to find out if he can ever go home again, and Courtney's the only one he trusts to go with him. But the trip to Providence could change everything because the more time he spends with Courtney, the harder it is to reconcile what he wants and what he thinks he deserves.

It started out so simple. One misfit helping another. Now Max will do anything to show Courtney that for every heart that's ever been broken, there's another that can make it complete.
Genre: New Adult
Series:2B Trilogy, Book #3

Ames: I really enjoyed book 1 in this trilogy and I'm waiting for book 3 to come out before jumping into the second one. Delayed gratification. But I hate waiting for books in a series to come out so I'd rather just read them all closer together. You know? But anyway, Max was introduced in book 1 and I really felt for the guy so I'm glad he's getting a story and a love of his own. Awwww.