Best and Favorite Reads of 2013

Beginning of the year means that everyone is looking back at the reading year that just ended and making their list of Best and/or Favorite Reads. Ames and I are no exception :) I enjoy doing this post with Ames, just to see what books we have in and not in common. It's just interesting to see how we've gone in different direction with our readings and where we intersect :)

Hope you guys enjoy this post! And let us know what you think of our picks!!


Contemporary romance

Ames

Ames:  After starting a Kristen Ashley glom in November 2012, I could not get off the contemporary romance train.  I didn't read a lot of CR before that, I think because I was devouring contemporary M/M.  But I definitely noticed the majority of my reading this past year was contemporary romance.  And a lot less M/M to be honest.  But that's ok.  I love Samantha Young's writing and even though I wasn't too fond of the heroine, Jo, of Down London Road in previous books, Young is such a strong writer that I couldn't help but like her and enjoy the heck out of Jo's book.  And Julie James, I think it's safe to say she may always be in my top picks for any year.  LOL

Nath: Love Irresistibly almost made it onto my list, Ames! It was definitively an enjoyable book, but was missing a bit of omfph that would have made it a wowzer.

Nath

Nath: Contemporary romance is one of my favorite reading genres and that means I read a lot of it :) Unfortunately, I felt underwhelmed by it in 2013. I think a lot of it has to do with the small-town romances over-saturation ^_^; I've enjoyed a lot of small-town romances, but after a while, it's just too much and I felt I wanted something else this year. I admit my two picks didn't really jump to my mind as Best and Favorites, but Can't Stop Believing is the only contemporary romance I gave an A grade to and The Chocolate Touch, I really enjoyed for the intensity and Paris setting and will definitively be a re-read :)

Ames:  It's funny that you felt underwhelmed by the CR lot this year, and yet I couldn't get enough!  LOL  Maybe it was all the self-published titles I read?

Nath: Oh, I couldn't get enough either, Ames... However, I just wasn't wowed. Ms Thomas' Harmony series are usually winners for me and Can't Stop Believing wasn't an exception, but her style is so quiet, gentle. What I wanted was a punch in the face wow and I didn't get it this year :( And one of the reasons for that is that most books being released nowadays are re-hashes, they don't feel new... Sigh.


Category romance

Nath

Nath: While reading The One that Got Away, I knew it would be making this list. It was such an intense romance between Evie and Logan and I looooved it :) Seems like the feeling I'm looking when I'm reading category romance, because I had the same feeling for last year's favorite, Her Best Worst Mistake by Sarah Mayberry... In any case, The One that Got Away has set the bar for me for the Harlequin KISS line and very few have come close.

Ames:  How did I miss this one?

Nath: LOL, dunno my friend because I did review it :P


Romantic Suspense/Mystery/Cosy Mystery

Nath

Nath: There's a reason why I call Ms Rose the "Queen of Romantic Suspense"... because she delivers! Once again, she has written my favorite RS read of the year :) Fans have been waiting for Stevie and Clay's book for years and it was really good! I also think it closes the Baltimore chapter and I wonder where Ms Rose will take us next :)

A lot of RS nowadays are about military men and women and I seriously wish authors would go back to writing about cops and agents like Ms Rose. They'd have more chance to make my Best and Favorite Reads list :P

Ames:  I was so caught up in contemporary romances, I didn't read any romantic suspense!  No Karen Rose!  :(  Not even a re-read of Count to Ten.  *gasp*  I have to fix that pronto!

Nath: Seriously, not even a re-read of Count to Ten?! I was in a reading slump at the end of 2013 and I almost re-read all of Ms Rose's backlist! I can understand not reading other RS because there isn't that many out there, but no Karen Rose! Tsk, tsk! I'm actually so envious of you Ames, because you have so many of hers to glom on! LOL.


Paranormal romance

Ames

Ames:  This is a no brainer.  I didn't read a lot of PNR this year and the ones I did read were re-reads or from auto-buy authors like Ms. Singh here. I'm not so good with finding clues and hints so I kind of wasn't making guesses as to who the Ghost was.  But with that said, I wasn't blown away or shocked by who it was.  Go figure.

Nath: I think it's because there was so much speculation going around and unless Ms Singh chose to introduce a new character, it was kind of obvious ^_^;

Nath

Nath: Well, Heart of Obsidian made it on my list as well. I think it says it all right? LOL. While Heart of Obsidian was the Ghost's book, I didn't have many expectations. I actually think the reveal was a bit anti-climatic! However, I really enjoyed Kaleb and Sahara's romance and thought it was interesting to have a Psy-Psy couple :)

As for A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses, well it was my surprise of the year I think. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting much because I was a bit disappointed with Ms Harper's last couple of releases... but A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses just turned out to be a delightful read!


Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Steampunk

Ames

Ames:  The Iron Duke is not a 2013 release but I only just got around to reading this past year.  And let me say, I love Rhys.  LOVE HIM.  Him and Mia together are one of my favorite couples ever.  

And the Last Hour of Gann, with all the buzz on this book I had to read it.  And I really enjoyed it.  It's something very different but it really brought me down.  LOL  But still good.

Nath

Nath: Loved, loved, loved Written in Red! I just enjoyed everything about this book, but especially the feel... the sense of community that the characters and setting displayed which was very reminiscent of Shadalor's Lady which is another of my favorite book by Ms Bishop. I just can't wait to read the next book!

I've grown to love the Mercedes Thompson series and Frost Burned was another solid installment, although a bit disappointing after the epic ending of Fair Game. What I really appreciated in this book is that it wasn't about Adam and Mercy's relationship, but more focused on the pack and politics.

Ames:  It's kind of funny...how much you love Written in Red but you never really brought it up with me.  Or maybe you did but I didn't pay attention because it was UF?  And as for Frost Burned...*sigh* I'm so far behind in that series that I actually want to re-read it the earlier books to catch up.  I did re-read the first two books but even now that feels so long ago.

Nath: LOL, I'm pretty sure I brought it up with you, Ames, because I brought it up with everyone! However, I probably didn't push it with you because it is an UF. However, you should seriously give it a try. Ideally, end of February since Murder of Crows come out in March. *wink, wink*

By the way, I don't think you're that behind in the Mercy Thompson series. IIRC, you did read Silver Borne, so you're only missing River Marked... and Fair Game since you have to read the epic ending to know a bit what's going on in Frost Burned. See, only 2 books behind, not bad :P


Historical romance

Ames

Ames: Another non-2013 release, but I didn't read a lot of historical romance this year.  I'm really not lying when I say I read a lot of contemporaries!  LOL  But I thought this one with the pretending to be someone else and the back and forth banter was too cute.

Nath

Nath: As I mentioned earlier, I'm really a contemporary romance reader :) However, what do you do when you run out of contemporary romance to read? Well you switch to historical romance LOL. Unfortunately, I don't think 2013 was a good year for historical romance... and not just because the number of books released is down, but just the readership's reception to them. I think readers are just a bit over-saturated... I know that's how I felt and as such, I didn't read as many historical romance books as previous years. One though that caught my eyes and later, my heart, was Love and Other Scandals. It was just such a great, fun and refreshing read! Definitively my favorite historical romance of the year :)


Young Adult

Ames

Ames:  My YA reading was down this past year, but what I did read was top quality.  Rowena and I buddy reviewed The Reece Malcolm List and that one was just awesome-sauce.

Proxy was mentioned on Goodreads somewhere (before I quit) and it was an interesting concept and the ending totally blew me away.  I can't wait for the sequel.

Letters to Nowhere was recommended to me by Nath and I'm so glad I read it.  The gymnastics aspect to it just made this so awesome.

Nath: The Reece Malcolm List is on my TBR pile. Definitively going to have to pick it up at some point. As for Proxy, I've never heard of it... Not even from you! Or I don't remember! Need to go check it out!

Nath

Nath: I was intrigued by Pivot Point's blurb and once I read it, was just blown away. I loved it, it was just sooo good! Definitively hit the right note for me :) And it wasn't just the characters or story, but the writing as well! Ms West is definitively in the running for Best New-to-Me author :P


New Adult

Ames

Ames:  New Adult is a genre I really jumped on the bandwagon whole-heartedly.  LOL  Yes it's drama-y and angsty but sometimes it really really works.  And here's two perfect examples.  Into the Deep ends on a cliffhanger though.  Ugh.  But I loved that story.  Fangirl made me cry.  Always a great reaction to a book.  It means it has its hooks in you!

Nath: Drama-y and angsty are the two reasons I actually avoid most New Adult books unless it comes high recommended! LOL. I read and enjoyed Fangirl and I did think of picking it, but I feel there was something missing... However, I really enjoyed the college and grown-up atmosphere of the book. Nice change from high school characters!

Nath

Nath: LOL, Ames and I have been going back and forth about what genre Letters to Nowhere is :) We usually categorize it as YA/NA :P Well for this post, it is NA for me. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't jumped on the bandwagon for this new genre yet, but I gotta say, Letters to Nowhere was one of my favorite reads this year. I loved Karen, Jordan, their romance and the gymnastic background of the book. If there are more NA books like this one, well bring them on!

Ames:  I say YA because Karen isn't over 18 yet.  LOL

Nath: But she doesn't go to regular high school and is more mature for her age because of her life as an athlete, so really... :P

Ames:  I'm not going to argue with you on this one.  haha


Fiction

Ames

Ames:  Vanity Fare was one of my first reads of 2013 and I thought it was cute.  It was a bit unexpected for me considering the heroine is divorced and that can sometimes not be a good combination...with bitterness and what not.  However with Vanity Fare, this was not the case.

Mr. Penumbra's was a magical book for me.  It's about a guy working the night shift at a bookstore and the patrons that came in are very unusual.  This felt like a fantasy novel but when I closed the book, the magic was all in the words and the mystery surrounding the patrons and technology.  Yes, technology.  I still think about this one.

Loved Don in The Rosie Project.  And Rosie too.  And go read my review for The Girl You Left Behind.  This book really had it all.

Nath

Nath: I'm not a big fiction reader, but I definitively enjoyed The Rosie Project :) Obviously, I wasn't the only one :P You gotta love a man like Don looking and finding love!


 m/m

Ames

Ames:  I loved Love Lessons.  It was just too cute.  And Try...was very sexy.  I liked it, liked the characters but this ended on a cliff-hanger, so I can't wait for the sequel.

Nath

Nath: So Love Lessons was my only m/m read of the year, but had it not been, it would still have made this list :) It was a great book, such a great romance between Walter and Kelly... and seriously, who wouldn't be rooting for them?!


Novella

Ames

Ames:  Holly from Book Binge recommended Beauty and the Billionaire and I'm so glad I read it.  The hero is a virgin and the whole dynamic between him and Gretchen was too hot.  Lauren Dane is one of my favorite authors and Cake was a fun, sexy read about two artists.  It was hot too!

Nath

Nath: Two very different novellas, but two great ones :) Snow-Kissed was just so angsty and you could really feel for Kurt and Kai. Also, what is a better romance than a husband loving his wife and wanting to win her back? As for Brazen,  it was just so nice to read from Nick's POV... also, I'm just not ready to accept that this series is over :P

Favorite Read of 2013

Ames

Ames:  I had a hard time picking my favourite read for 2013.  There were a few books I re-read obsessively but they weren't 2013 releases.  LOL  But in the end, Heart of Obsidian was the only book I read this year that I gave an A+ to.

Nath

Nath: For me, choosing Written in Red as my favorite read of 2013 wasn't a hard decision. It was actually such an easy pick, given how many times I've re-read and recommended Written in Red :) Simply loved it!

***

And those were our Best and Favorite Reads of 2013! Stay tuned because we have one final post coming up to recap our 2013 reading year!

New Releases - January 2014

Happy New Year!!

Nath, Monroe and I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.  May you reach all your book reading goals for 2014.  LOL

And to help you build your TBR pile, here's what we're looking forward to in January.  Let us know if we're missing any!  :P


January 7

Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young
published by New American Library

One simple lesson in seduction between two friends can turn into so much more…

Despite her outgoing demeanor, Olivia is painfully insecure around the opposite sex—usually, she can’t get up the nerve to approach guys she’s interested in. But moving to Edinburgh has given her a new start, and, after she develops a crush on a sexy postgrad, she decides it’s time to push past her fears and go after what she wants.

Nate Sawyer is a gorgeous player who never commits, but to his close friends, he’s as loyal as they come. So when Olivia turns to him with her relationship woes, he offers to instruct her in the art of flirting and to help her become more sexually confident.

The friendly education in seduction soon grows into an intense and hot romance. But then Nate’s past and commitment issues rear their ugly heads, and Olivia is left broken-hearted. When Nate realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life, he will have to work harder than he ever has before to entice his best friend into falling back in love with him—or he may lose her forever…

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: On Dublin Street, Book #3

Ames:    I love Samantha Young's writing and the Dublin Street series is one of my contemporary series ever.  I am so looking forward to this one.  Friends to lovers?  Hello!!

Nath: I should really give her books a try! Let me know how this one is, Ames!


The Last Man on Earth by Tracy Anne Warren
published by New American Library (Signet)

Idealistic good girl Madelyn Grayson believes in doing what’s right. Even as a high-powered executive in the mad world of advertising, she doesn’t cut corners, making her ad campaigns sizzle without having to burn anyone along the way.

Rival exec Zack Douglas never wastes an opportunity to land the next big deal—especially when it benefits him. A bad boy with a reputation to match, he has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to get ahead, no matter who gets in the way.

When a hot promotion pops up at their company, both Zack and Madelyn wind up on the short list for the position. But as the two square off, they discover that being heated rivals in the office makes for scorching bed play behind closed doors. Will Madelyn’s steamy, secret affair with Mr. Vice make her compromise her ideals—or worse, lose her heart?

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: The Graysons, Book #1

Ames:    I know this is Warren's first contemporary romance, and even though I've never read any of her historicals (I have a few in the tbr pile though! lol) I am intrigued by this blurb. I like this kind of set up.

Nath: I know right! That's why this book is on my list. It sounds interesting and I'm hoping it means that businessmen are back in romance in 2014! I also like how the heroine is the hero's rival :)

River Road by Jayne Ann Krentz
published by Putnam

It’s been thirteen years since Lucy Sheridan was in Summer River. The last time she visited her aunt Sara there, as a teenager, she’d been sent home suddenly after being dragged out of a wild party—by the guy she had a crush on, just to make it more embarrassing. Obviously Mason Fletcher—only a few years older but somehow a lot more of a grown-up—was the overprotective type who thought he had to come to her rescue.

Now, returning after her aunt’s fatal car accident, Lucy is learning there was more to the story than she realized at the time. Mason had saved her from a very nasty crime that night—and soon afterward, Tristan, the cold-blooded rich kid who’d targeted her, disappeared mysteriously, his body never found.

A lot has changed in thirteen years. Lucy now works for a private investigation firm as a forensic genealogist, while Mason has quit the police force to run a successful security firm with his brother—though he still knows his way around a wrench when he fills in at his uncle’s local hardware store. Even Summer River has changed, from a sleepy farm town into a trendy upscale spot in California’s wine country. But Mason is still a protector at heart, a serious (and seriously attractive) man. And when he and Lucy make a shocking discovery inside Sara’s house, and some of Tristan’s old friends start acting suspicious, Mason’s quietly fierce instincts kick into gear. He saved Lucy once, and he’ll save her again. But this time, she insists on playing a role in her own rescue...

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Stand-alone

Nath: So sad that the cover is so generic, sigh. In any case, I'm so glad that Ms Krentz is going back to regular contemporary romance and I'm really looking forward to River Road, especially since the reviews so far are pretty good :)

Hope Flames by Jaci Burton
published by Berkley

Veterinarian Emma Burnett won't let anything or anyone sidetrack her from her job as new owner of the vet clinic in Hope. She let a man distract her once, with disastrous results. But when Luke McCormack brings in his injured police dog, Emma can hardly ignore him. Despite Emma's best efforts to keep things strictly doctor and owner of the patient, Luke's one hot distraction.

Genre: Contemporary romance
Series: Hope, Book #1

Ames:    OMG this book sounds tailor made for me.  LOL  Dogs, vets, and hot guys.  I can't wait to get my grubby hands on this one. :P

Nath:  New series, definitively going to give it a try.

Bitter Spirits by Jenn Bennett
published by Berkley

It’s the roaring twenties, and San Francisco is a hotbed of illegal boozing, raw lust, and black magic. The fog-covered Bay Area can be an intoxicating scene, particularly when you specialize in spirits…

Aida Palmer performs a spirit medium show onstage at Chinatown’s illustrious Gris-Gris speakeasy. However, her ability to summon (and expel) the dead is more than just an act.

Winter Magnusson is a notorious bootlegger who’s more comfortable with guns than ghosts—unfortunately for him, he’s the recent target of a malevolent hex that renders him a magnet for hauntings. After Aida’s supernatural assistance is enlisted to banish the ghosts, her spirit-chilled aura heats up as the charming bootlegger casts a different sort of spell on her...

On the hunt for the curseworker responsible for the hex, Aida and Winter become drunk on passion. And the closer they become, the more they realize they have ghosts of their own to exorcise…

Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Roaring Twenties, Book #1¸

Nath: I didn't continue on Ms Bennett's urban fantasy series, Arcadia Bell, but I'm curious about Bitter Spirits because of the time period... The twenties in San Francisco sounds awesome.


The Lion and the Rose by Kate Quinn
published by Berkley

As the cherished concubine of the Borgia Pope Alexander VI, Giulia Farnese has Rome at her feet. But after narrowly escaping a sinister captor, she realizes that the danger she faces is far from over—and now, it threatens from within. The Holy City of Rome is still under Alexander’s thrall, but enemies of the Borgias are starting to circle. In need of trusted allies, Giulia turns to her sharp-tongued bodyguard, Leonello, and her fiery cook and confidante, Carmelina.

Caught in the deadly world of the Renaissance’s most notorious family, Giulia, Leonello, and Carmelina must decide if they will flee the dangerous dream of power. But as the shadows of murder and corruption rise through the Vatican, they must learn who to trust when every face wears a mask...

Genre: Historical fiction
Series: The Borgia Chronicles, Book #2

Ames:    I really enjoy this author's writing and look forward to her books.  This one is no exception.

The Last Wicked Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon Impulse)

William Graves is the last of Feagan's scoundrels. A onetime grave robber turned royal physician, he has devoted his life to saving others—because he knows there is no way to save himself. Especially not around a lady like Winnie. Though undeserving of her touch, he cannot resist. His passion cannot be tamed…even in the face of certain danger.

Winnie, the Duchess of Avendale, never knew peace until her brutal husband died. With William she's discovered burning desire—and the healing power of love. But now, confronted by the past she thought she'd left behind, Winnie must face her fears…or risk losing the one man who can fulfill all her dreams.

Genre: Historical romance
Series: Scoundrels of St. James, Book #5

Nath: I didn't read all the books in this series, but I'm interested in a historical hero who is not an aristocrat. Also, it's Ms Heath and I enjoy her writing a lot.


Dreams of the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn
published by Macmillan (Tor Books)

Like every teen, Anna has secrets. Unlike every teen, Anna has a telepath for a father and Commerce City's most powerful businessperson for a mother. She’s also the granddaughter of the city’s two most famous superheroes, the former leaders of the legendary Olympiad, and the company car drops her off at the gate of her exclusive high school every morning. Privacy is one luxury she doesn’t have.

Hiding her burgeoning superpowers from her parents is hard enough; how’s she supposed to keep them from finding out that her friends have powers, too? Or that she and the others are meeting late at night, honing their skills and dreaming of becoming Commerce City’s next great team of masked vigilantes?

Like every mother, Celia worries about her daughter. Unlike every mother, Celia has the means to send Anna to the best schools and keep a close watch on her, every second of every day. At least Celia doesn’t have to worry about Anna becoming a target for every gang with masks and an agenda, like Celia was at Anna’s age.

As far as Celia knows, Anna isn't anything other than a normal teen. Still, just in case, Celia has secretly awarded scholarships at Anna’s private high school to the descendants of the city’s other superpowered humans. Maybe, just maybe, these teens could one day fill the gap left by the dissolution of The Olympiad...

Genre: Fantasy/Urban Fantasy
Series: Golden Age, Book #2

Ames:    I really enjoyed the After the Golden Age (and realized I never reviewed it) so I'm looking forward to the next generation's story!

Nath: LOL, I was surprised to see this book on the list and wondered if you had actually read After the Golden Age :P It does sound pretty interesting and I gotta say, I like this cover better. Guess I should start with After the Golden Age though...


January 13

Falling for her Soldier by Ophelia London
published by Entangled Bliss

She fell for the nice guy, but will she fall for the real guy?

Ex-ballerina Ellie Bell has twenty-four days left until her self-imposed man-less year is up. No more falling for the wrong kind of guy—charming, sexy, bad. Why can’t she find someone sweet like Charlie Johansson, her soldier pen pal? His e-mails meant the world to her, and she can’t stop thinking about him…until she meets Hunter, whose muscles and cocky smile threaten to have her relapsing.

Before Charlie “Big Game Hunter” Johansson’s last tour of duty, he’d gone through women like crazy. But after connecting on a real, emotional level via letters with his best friend’s sister, Charlie’s ready for a relationship—with Ellie Bell. But then her brother introduces him as Hunter. Proving he’s no longer a player by becoming Ellie’s dance partner for an Army benefit seems like it could convince both siblings he’s changed, but the harder he falls for Ellie, the harder it is to come clean. Can he convince her to fall for the real him before it’s too late?

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: n/a

Ames:   I haven't read this author before but this one sounds cute.  I like that the heroine used to be a ballerina.


January 14

Going Rogue by Robin Benway
published by Walker Childrens

Being permanently based in a local New York City high school as an undercover operative has its moments, good and bad, for 16-year-old safecracker Maggie Silver. Pros: More quality time with her former mark-turned-boyfriend Jesse Oliver and insanely cool best friend, Roux. Getting to spend quality time with her semi-retired and international spy honorary uncle, Angelo. Cons: High school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations. But when Maggie's parents are falsely accused of stealing priceless gold coins, Maggie uses her safecracking skills to try and clear their names. Too bad it only serves to put her and everyone she loves in danger. Maggie and her "new team" flee to Paris where they must come up with a plan to defeat their former allies.

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: Also Known As, Book #2

Nath: First book was fun and cute, so there is a high chance I'm going to pick up Going Rogue. Let see how Ms Benway pulls it off.


January 21

Dirty Secrets by Karen Rose
published by Penguin (InterMix)

Emma Townsend is astonished when she comes across a love letter tucked away in an old high school year book, written by her once dear friend Chris Walker. Having never seen it until now, the letter has taken seventeen years to touch Emma’s heart. Now she’s determined to find Chris and maybe even get a second chance at romance.

For Chris, now a college professor, seeing Emma again has brought back a flood of memories, rekindling a passion he thought was long gone. But in the shadows, someone is watching Emma and Chris, someone nursing revenge, and plunging Emma into a nightmare where no one can be trusted and every dirty little secret is sealed with a kiss.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Novella originally published in anthology Hot Pursuit, connected to Watch Your Back

Ames:    It's Karen Rose.  Auto-buy.

Nath: This is the only book of Ms Rose I haven't read and I've been trying to get my hands on it for years! Years! Hurrah for it finally being re-released! Definitively reading this ASAP, especially now that I actually have met the characters in Watch Your Back!


When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries
published by Simon & Schuster (Pocket Books)

Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talents for creating exquisite imitation jewels criminally. But there's no denying that her handiwork was used in the theft of the Dutch royal diamonds-- right after Isa disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron's mysterious bride-to-be... who turns out to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring widow. No longer the meek girl he once knew, Isa boldly asserts that it was Victor who abandoned her, after he helped steal the royal diamonds!

Piecing together the truth of the past reawakens their volatile passions, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other to bring the real thieves to justice-- without getting burned themselves.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Duke's Men, Book #2

Ames:    I like plots like this, where a married couple has been separated and come back together.  And with Isa's secrets...this one sounds like it'll be a doozy!!

Nath: I haven't read the first book yet, but When the Rogue Returns' plot sounds really interesting!


January 24

The Last Guy She Should Call by Joss Wood
published by Harlequin (Harlequin KISS)

She'd got his number, …luckily!

For savvy antiques dealer Rowan Dunn life is good— until a passport error gets her deported back to South Africa! Stranded at the airport, Rowan can remember only two phone numbers, —her parents' (definitely not an option!) and her best friend's brother's. As much as she hates it, Rowan knows she has no choice. It's time to call Seb Hollis and ask for help….

Seb is even sexier than Rowan remembers —and just as infuriating! He's always pushed her buttons, but at least now she knows how to push them back. Maybe it's time to start sleeping with the enemy— even though Rowan's sure there won't be a whole lot of sleeping going on…!

Genre: Category Romance, Contemporary
Series: n/a

Nath: Ms Wood has become one of my auto-buy authors when it comes to category romance. She's the one author of the Harlequin KISS line that has consistently delivered. I've enjoyed her books a lot and am hoping The Last Guy She Should Call continues the trend :P


Going Twice by Sharon Sala
published by Harlequin (MIRA)

As bodies pile up in the wake of a storm—stripped, tortured and grimly posed—authorities must admit the unthinkable. The serial killer dubbed the Stormchaser has returned following a tornado and taken it upon himself to bring the death toll up to where he believes it belongs.

FBI investigator Wade Luckett is back on the case, assisted by an agent Wade knows professionally and personally: his ex-wife, Jo. Neither time nor the tragedy that tore them apart have blunted the ache Wade feels for brave, beautiful Jo. And though she tries to deny it, she feels the same. But the stirrings of renewed romance will have to wait until they catch a killer.

The Stormchaser has no intention of getting caught. He's set his sights on a new victim. Jo can forget about the lifetime she dreams of spending with Wade. She'll be lucky to see another day.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Forces of Nature, Book #2

Nath: I haven't read Ms Sala's books in a while because I find them a bit repetitive in plot... but it's hard to give up on an auto-buy authors, so her books are still on my radar. Reviews for Going Twice have been good so far, so you never know...


January 28

Reaper's Legacy by Joanna Wylde
published by Berkley

WELCOME TO THE CLUB

Eight years ago, Sophie gave her heart—and her virginity—to Zach Barrett on a night that couldn’t have been less romantic or more embarrassing. Zach’s step-brother, a steely-muscled, tattooed biker named Ruger, caught them in the act, getting a peep show of Sophie he’s never forgotten.

She may have lost her dignity that fateful night, but Sophie also gained something precious—her son Noah. Unfortunately, Zach’s a deadbeat dad, leaving Ruger to be Noah’s only male role model. When he discovers Sophie and his nephew living in near poverty, Ruger takes matters into his own hands—with the help of the Reapers Motorcycle Club—to give them a better life.

Living with outlaw bikers wasn’t Sophie’s plan for her son, but Ruger isn’t giving her a choice. He’ll be there for Noah, whether she wants him or not. But Sophie does want him, has always wanted him. Now she’ll learn that taking a biker to bed can get a girl dirty in every way…

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Reaper's MC, Book #2

Ames:    Ugh.  Ok, I'm kind of miffed about the change in publisher.  But I am so looking forward to reading this.  I really enjoyed Reaper's Property by this author and I'm still loving MC-set contemporaries.  :P


Anything to Have You by Paige Harbison
published by Harlequin (Harlequin Teen)

Nothing should come between best friends, not even boys. ESPECIALLY not boys.

Natalie and Brooke have had each other's backs forever. Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies. Brooke is the movie—the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.

Then it happens—one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden, can't forget. Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Series: n/a

Ames:    This one sounds drama-riffic and angst ridden to the max!

That Touch of Magic by Lucy March
published by St. Martin's Press

Stacy Easter has seen better days. Being a librarian is a labor of love—if only paying her bills were half as much fun. What’s a single, bookish beauty in sleepy Nodaway Falls, New York, supposed to do?

To make ends meet, Stacy decides to develop her special…powers. Everyone can use a touch of magic now and then, right? Soon she’s got clients lining up to receive her signature potions—until a few of them go awry. Meanwhile, her own life has just taken a storybook turn: Leo North, the official One Who Got Away, is back in town.

Stacy’s best friends, Peach and Liv, are more concerned about the state of her heart than the side effects of a few rogue magic spells. But someone with dark intentions is crossing magical wires all over Nodaway Falls, and those closest to Stacy are at risk. Can Stacy conjure up a way out of this mess with her life—and maybe even her love life—intact?

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Nodaway Falls, Book #2

Nath:  On my radar because of the paranormal element, the heroine being a librarian and the author being Lucy March aka Lani Diane Rich.


Why Earls Fall in Love by Manda Collins
published by St. Martin's Press

Society often makes strange bedfellows—and even more surprising betrothals...

IS IT A REASON FOR ROMANCE?

Young widowed Georgina Mowbray is settling into her role as Lady Russell’s companion quite well—until the lady’s nephew Dominic, the Earl of Coniston, arrives in Bath for a visit. Georgie’s always found him shallow and too smooth, and trusts him as much as she trusts most men…which is to say, not at all. But Con turns out to be more intriguing than she remembers—and completely irresistible...

OR A PROMISE OF PASSION?

Pretty, practical Georgie is nothing like the women Con usually woos—especially since she seems blind to his charms. But his elderly aunt is so fond of her that Con is determined at least to be sociable…with the occasional flirtation thrown in just for fun. But things take a serious turn when a dangerous figure from Georgie’s unhappy past appears and threatens to bring her harm. Con will do whatever it takes to keep Georgie safe. And if he can show her that all men are not menaces, he might be able to keep her in his arms and never let go…

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Wicked Widows, Book #2

Ames:    This sounds cute.  I like when the heroine doesn't fall for the hero's charms at first and gives him a run for his money.

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare
published by Harpercollins Publisher (Avon}

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?
Abducted by handsome highwayman?
Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and… Heh.

Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?

This one.

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Castles Ever After, Book #1

Ames:    I really enjoy Tessa Dare's writing and this one sounds cute.

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So those are the books we're going to start the year with :) What do you think? Did we miss any?