Happy New Year to all!!
What better way to start the year than look at what books it will bring to us?!? :P So here is the new releases that we, at Breezing Through, are looking forward to.
We wish you plenty of goodies for the new year and hope that 2011 will be good to all of us :)
January 1
How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreilingpublished by Grand Central Publishing
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary--nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London's infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she's not the most captivating woman he's ever met...Genre: Historical romance
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she's determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife--she'll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke's affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan's desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker's number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
Series: N/A
Nath: This book came to my attention recently from Tracy's blog (her review at Book Binge). It sounds cute, so I'm going to give it a try :)
Ames: It does sound cute! I'll keep an eye out for it.
published by Mira
After years spent on ranches around Los Angeles, Clay Tahoma is delighted to be Virgin River's new veterinary assistant. The secluded community's wild beauty tugs at his Navajo roots, and he's been welcomed with open arms by everyone in town; everyone except Lilly Yazhi.Genre: contemporary romance
Lilly has encountered her share of strong, silent, traditional men within her own aboriginal community, and she's not interested in coming back for more. In her eyes, Clay's earthy, sexy appeal is just an act used to charm wealthy women like his ex-wife. She can't deny his gift for gentling horses, but she's not about to let him control her. There's just one small problem; she can't control her attraction to Clay.
But in Virgin River, faith in new beginnings and the power of love has doors opening everywhere...
Series: Virgin River, Book #11
Nath: I really enjoyed Virgin River and after that book, I've become a huge fan of Ms Carr. However, I feel that her last few books have been lacking something... Still, going to give this book a go :P
Ames: Ok, I read and loved Virgin River and have since bought up all the books in the series...without reading them. So as much as I'm interested in this book, I have nine other VR books to read, so I'm drawing the line here, I won't get this one until I'm more caught up in this series. Whew! That was hard!
published by Scholastic
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.Genre: Young Adult
Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?
Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.
Series: none
Ames: I've pre-ordered this one and thanks to Wena for bringing it to my attention. I loved loved loved The Lonely Hearts Club so I can't wait to read this!
Nath: I enjoyed The Lonely Hearts Club as well :) Still, I'm going to wait to see whether you like this book or not, Ames, before picking it up :) Sounds very cute though.
January 4
published by Berkley
More wild thing than man...Genre: paranormal romance
Zeke Noble has escaped from a secret facility; he has no idea why he was abducted, but the experiments were cruel, soul-killing, and they changed him forever. Now free, his natural affinity with animals has evolved into a dark and dangerous instinct, a curse that costs him too much of his humanity. But he has to rebuild his life, or his tormentors win. To that end, he goes looking for work and finds so much more.
Born to be wild...
Veterinarian Geneva Harper finds herself reluctantly drawn to the lean, mysterious young man to whom the wild is second nature, but she has troubles of her own. She’s the black sheep in an old moneyed Southern family, and she never had any interest in learning the family business, or being the good debutante daughter.
Though Zeke’s wanted Neva for as long as he can remember, their attraction can never go anywhere. They both know that for different reasons. But when a killer starts leaving behind a trail of victims, Zeke’s need to protect her is as fierce as his desire to claim her as his mate. And love may be the only thing that can save them both...
Series: Skin series, Book #3
Ames: Ok, so I drew a line with Promise Canyon but I'm not drawing a line with this series. Yeah I'm a few behind...and considering it's book 3 that means I haven't read any yet, but I know this author is good. LOL Plus three is easier to catch up with than NINE. Right? I have a problem....
Monroe: I've got like the first three in this series but haven't started them yet either! lol BUT I really want to...I mean LOOK AT THAT COVER! Yum! ;P
Nath: LOL, I guess it speaks well of me that I only have the first book. Unread, but still only one :P
published by Berkley
The three Baci sisters are on a mission to save the family winery by transforming it into a wedding destination. When Stevie Baci playfully names her own side business Napa Princess Limousine, she never dreams she'll be driving a real prince around Napa Valley.Genre: Contemporary romance
Jacques Parini, aka "Jack", is looking to expand his family's wine interests. But after kissing Stevie, he finds this California girl in a black chauffeur's hat does more than drive him crazy.
Series: Three Kisses, Book #2
Ames: I like Christie Ridgway. I also like heroines with boy names...like Stevie. haha
Nath: I'm not a fan of Ms Ridgway. Most of her books are misses for me, but I have to say, this cover is really cute :P
Monroe: I LOVED the first one in this series so I know this one will be a hoot! =)
published by Berkley
From London's slums to its bawdy playhouses, "The Darling Strumpet" transports the reader to the tumultuous world of seventeenth-century England, charting the meteoric rise of the dazzling Nell Gwynn, who captivates the heart of King Charles II-and becomes one of the century's most famous courtesans.Genre: Historical fiction
Witty and beautiful, Nell was born into poverty but is drawn into the enthralling world of the theater, where her saucy humor and sensuous charm earn her a place in the King's Company. As one of the first actresses in the newly-opened playhouses, she catapults to fame, winning the affection of legions of fans-and the heart of the most powerful man in all of England, the King himself. Surrendering herself to Charles, Nell will be forced to maneuver the ruthless and shifting allegiances of the royal court-and discover a world of decadence and passion she never imagined possible.
Series: none
Ames: I love historical fiction and this one sounds interesting. Plus that cover is gorgeous!
published by St. Martin's Press
At the start of Awakened, the pulse-pounding eighth installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey has returned, mostly whole, from the Otherworld to her rightful place as High Priestess at the House of Night. Her friends are just glad to have her back, but after losing her human consort, Heath, will Zoey - or her relationship with her super-hot Warrior, Stark - ever be the same? Stevie Rae is drawn even closer to Rephaim, the Raven Mocker with whom she shares a mysterious and powerful Imprint, but he is a dangerous secret that isolates her from her school, her red fledglings, and even her best friends. When the dark threat of Neferet - who is coming closer and closer to achieving her twisted goal of immortality - and Kalona returns, what will it take to keep the House of Night from being lost forever, and what will one desperate girl do to keep her heart from being irreparably broken?Genre: Young Adult
Series: House of the Night series, Book #8
Ames: I'm only one book behind in this series, so no lines will be drawn here! Haha. I've already pre-ordered this one and Walmart already has it out on the shelves. Read this series!
Monroe: The latest book in this series wasn't my fav BUT I do however absolutely love these books and can't wait to read this one! The ending to the last one really made you want to keep going! Ditto for Ames comment...READ THIS SERIES!
January 6
You Belong to Me by Karen Rosepublished by Grand Central Publishing in UK only (HC format)!!
Years ago, a young girl was beaten and raped while onlookers did nothing. Now those witnesses are becoming victims themselves...Genre: Romantic suspense
Baltimore city Homicide Detective JD Fitzpatrick has seen a lot of horrific violence, both as a cop and during his deployment in Afghanistan, but nothing like the trail of tortured bodies that are turning up throughout the city. He’s up against a brutal killer with a very personal vendetta. And now JD is beginning to suspect that his medical examiner may be shielding some crucial evidence linked to the case.
Medical Examiner Dr. Lucy Trask is intrigued by JD’s compassion, but she isn’t about to mix work with pleasure. Not while there’s a ruthless killer on the loose. And definitely not while she’s keeping a dark secret that could connect her to these vicious killings—and put her next on the killer’s hit list...
Series: Ms Rose's books are usually loosely connected without being a series per se
Nath: I'm a huge, huge, huge fan of Ms Rose! And so, I've already pre-ordered my copy of the book via Amazon.co.uk LOL. You Belong to Me is being first released in hardcover in the UK and will be available in North America in July 2011 in paperback format directly. Definitively can't wait for it, especially since I found the blurb quite interesting :P
Ames: Ok, I was thinking about pre-ordering this one too...but I'm a few books behind with Ms. Rose so I figure I can wait for the paperback in July. Ames, meet patience. You will get to know her very well.
January 18
published by Random House
"Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it's good."Genre: Paranormal romance
MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.
Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister's murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.
What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh-a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.
In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.
Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?
From the luxury of the Lord Master's penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac's journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world... or destroy it.
Series: Fever/MacKayla Lane series, Book #5
Ames: I've read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it...and really, I'm getting this one for my mom. I'll catch up on this series eventually. LOL
published by Simon & Schuster
The Hellions of Halstead HallGenre: Historical romance
When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.
Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him. Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.
Series: The Hellions of Halstead Hall series, Book #3
Nath: I've been enjoying this series and Ms Jeffries' writing. I'm particularly looking forward to this book, because of Minerva, the heroine :P She's a gothic author and quite independent and it's going to be interesting to see her fall in love with Giles. Not sure how I feel about Giles being an agent though :(
Ames: *sigh* Here's a series I want to start...I can't wait to see what you think of the latest installment Nath!
January 25
published by Berkley
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil...Genre: Paranormal romance/urban fantasy
A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders.
The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.
An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed...
Series: Guild Hunter series, Book #5 (counting novellas)
Nath: Nalini Singh. Need I say more? This series is quite different from the Psy/changeling series, but very good on its own... and things between Elena and Raphael just keep getting more interesting and complex :P
Ames: I love Raphael. His hotness has no rival... his jealousy and possessiveness over Elena is fantastical. Seriously.... Raphael is like my literary Eric Bana. My number one guy. I'm drooling already. Am I rambling? haha
Monroe: Ames...yes you're drooling but have EVERY RIGHT TO! Hello!!!! Like Nath said its Nalini and this series seriously rocks! Its so exciting and hot! lol
published by Berkley
Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She's never known any others of her kind. Until now.Genre: Urban fantasy
An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River-one that her father's people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help...
Series: Mercy Thompson series, Book #6
Nath: While I prefer the Alpha & Omega series, at this point, it doesn't really matter LOL. All I want is to read about Ms Briggs' werewolves!! I hope in this book, Mercy is going to find more about herself and her origins, it'd be quite interesting :P
Ames: I still haven't read Silver Borne. Can you believe it? But that's not stopping me from getting this one!
Monroe: Another one I need to catch up on. Normally I'm SO up to date but I get sad knowing its the latest book and always put off reading it so NOW I'll have two to read! lol Yay me! ;P
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)
One tryst was all she wanted...Genre: Historical Romance
From their very first meeting, Julia knew that Aidan Carr, the oh-so-proper Duke of Trathen, had a bit of the devil in him, a devil who secretly yearned for what he could not have, a devil who harbored a desire for her. So when she needed to be caught in a compromising situation, Aidan was the answer to her prayers.
One tryst just wasn't enough...
Aidan is supposed to be looking for a bride, yet his scandalous liaison with Julia is all he can think about. Hot, erotic memories of kissing her skin, falling into her bed, pulling her naked body on top of his own continue to torment and tempt him. What is it about this brazen seductress that he finds so hard to resist? And how can he stop himself from falling into her bed a second time?
Series: Jilted at the Altar, Book #2
Nath: I'm a huge fan of Ms Guhrke and really looking forward to her new releases. The whole concept of this trilogy is quite interesting in my opinion :) Really looking forward to it :) And I've just finished reading Wedding of the Season and I love Julia :) It's going to be so fun to see her antagonize Aidan!
published by Avon (Harpercollins Publishers)
Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty... Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.Genre: Historical romance
Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.
Linnet is not just any woman.
She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love in just two weeks.
Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.
If she decides to be very wicked indeed... what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?
Series: Fairy Tales series, Book #2
Ames: Eloisa James, I glommed a lot of her back list in early 2010 and she's one of my top fave historical authors. So yes, she's an auto-buy.
published by Kensington
Widowed Julia, Lady Winterset, inherited a shocking book that every gentleman in London wants. For a charismatic businessman, it could be a chance to build an empire. For a dashing novelist, it could guarantee fame. But to a certain proud, domineering earl, it means everything..Genre: Historical romance
Harrison Landingham, Earl of Mountdale, cannot let the obstinate Julia release her shameless memoir, as it would ruin his family's name. The only way to stop her may be equally sordid, but far more pleasurable. Landingham's rivals are intent on seducing the captivating woman to acquire her book; and he is not the sort of fellow to back away from a competition where the stakes are high. The winner of this game will claim both the scandalous memoirs, and her heart.
Series: N/A
Nath: Ms Alexander is a comfort author of mine... so I just buy her books LOL. I really like her writing style :) Although now that I read this blurb, it sounds familiar for some reasons. Hmmm. In any case, I was unaware though that she changed publisher... I do hope though she'll get to write the last book of the Harrington series...
published by Mira
Colin Riordan came to Virgin River to recuperate from a horrific helicopter crash, the scars of which he bears inside and out. His family is wonderfully supportive, but it's his art that truly soothes his troubled soul.Genre: contemporary romance
Stung personally and professionally by an ill-advised affair, PR guru Jillian Matlock has rented an old Victorian with a promising garden in Virgin River. She's looking forward to cultivating something other than a corporate brand.
Both are looking to simplify, not complicate, their lives, but when Jillian finds Colin at his easel in her yard, there's an instant connection. And in Virgin River, sometimes love is the simplest choice of all….
Series: Virgin River series, Book #12
Nath: I find the blurb quite interesting and I like the Riordan brothers in this series. I just hope the book is going to be about Colin and Jillian and thus, deliver.
Ames: See what I said for Promise Canyon above. LOL
published by HQN Books
Daisy Bellamy has struggled for years to choose between two men; one honorable and steady, one wild and untethered. And then, one fateful day, the decision is made for her.Genre: Contemporary romance/Women's fiction
Now busy with a thriving business on Willow Lake, Daisy knows she should be happy with the life she's chosen for herself and her son. But she still aches for the one thing she can't have.
Until the man once lost to her reappears, resurrected by a promise of love. And now the choice Daisy thought was behind her is the hardest one she'll ever face….
Series: Lakeshore Chronicles series, Book #8
Nath: I liked Ms Wiggs' writing a few years back. Now, I find that her style has transitioned from contemporary romance into women's fiction and I don't know, the romance is less prominent... Still, I'm going to get this book, because it's finally Daisy's book and I'm curious what her story is going to be :)
published by HQN Books
Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family; and now the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But instead he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance….Genre: Historical romance
Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who's stolen her fortune and her father's legacy; the man she's been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties; and the tantalizing promise of passion….
Series: N/A
Ames: I really enjoy Courtney Milan's writing so she's an auto-buy for me. I've got good taste. Do you? haha
Monroe: I DO! lol I've only read like one or two of her books but ya shes pretty awesome so I'll be checking this one out fo sho! lol
published by Grand Central Publishing
Their lives were perfect...Genre: Historical romance
Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn't bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother...
Until they met each other.
Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect - and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire - desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero's wedding nears, and Griffin's enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?
Series: Maiden Lane series, Book #2
Ames: I just read and reviewed Wicked Intentions over at Book Binge and I can't wait to read this next book!
