Books to Binge On: February 2014

Posted February 5, 2014 by Holly in Features | 0 Comments

btboHolly: There are so many books coming out this month I want to read. I can already hear my bank account whimpering.

Kaleidoscope by Kristen Ashley (Colorado Mountain, Book 6)

When old friends become new lovers…anything can happen.

Sexy, gifted, and loyal, PI Jacob Decker is a tall, cool drink of perfection who had Emmanuelle Holmes at “hello.” His relationship with Emme’s best friend kept them apart for years, but things have changed. Now that a case has brought him to Gnaw Bone, Colorado, the road is wide open for Emme and Deck to explore something hotter and deeper than Emme dreamed possible. So why is she sabotaging the best thing that’s ever happened to her?

It isn’t easy to catch Deck off guard, but Emme does just that when she walks back into his life after nine long years. The curvy brunette had her charms back in the day, but now she’s a bona fide knockout . . . and she wants to rekindle their friendship. Deck, however, wants more. Emme’s always been the one; she excites Deck’s body and mind like no other woman can. But a dark chapter from Emme’s past overshadows their future together. Now only Deck can help her turn the page-if she’ll let him . . .

Holly: I didn’t love the book before this one, Jagged. So I went into this one cautiously. I’m glad to say it was better than I expected. I had a few issues with the heroine, but that isn’t anything new with KA.

Melting the Ice by Jaci Burton (Play by Play, Book 7)

Carolina Preston has only one goal in mind—launching her new fashion line. She needs only one last thing to make it perfect—hockey phenom Drew Hogan. But Carolina and Drew have a history that goes back to their college days, and Carolina doesn’t want the embarrassment of her past to cloud the brightness of her future.

Drew is eager for the chance to show Carolina he isn’t the boy who hurt her back then, but a man now, with the skills necessary to melt the icy exterior of her cold heart.

Holly: I’m a few books behind in this series, which I need to rectify shortly. Even if I didn’t want to read the book I’d still buy it. Just because the cover is…yum.

Rowena: I haven’t started this series (yet) but I still want to read them all.  That’s my goal for 2014 (or one of them anyway), to start this series…and read this book.

Carnal Secrets by Suzanne Wright (Phoenix Pack, Book 3)

A pack Alpha and his estranged, true mate wrestle with painful secrets, ruthless enemies, and their own irresistible attraction, in the sexy third book of the Phoenix Pack series.

Half-shifter Shaya Critchley may hold a submissive role in her pack, but she’s done taking orders. After her Alpha wolf mate refused to claim her—but committed to interfering in her life—she took off. Now she hides from him, posing as a human in a town full of anti-shifter extremist groups. She thinks he’ll never find her again, and that suits her just fine. But she’s wrong.

Nick Axton can barely control his feelings for Shaya, but he could never claim her—not if he truly cares for her. The degenerative brain condition he keeps secret would ultimately leave her with a burden rather than a mate. But when Shaya runs away, Nick can’t bear the thought of never seeing her again. After tracking her down, he discovers Shaya’s feisty and passionate side in the process…a side he’d never seen before.

Under the menacing gazes of territorial local packs and violent human extremists, Nick vows to finally claim the spirited Shaya…and despite her initial resistance, Shaya just might find his fiery determination to be the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Holly: I discovered this series a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. The books are a little long and could use an editor, but I liked the pack dynamics and the heroines. I’m looking forward to continuing.

Before You Break by Christina Lee (Between Breaths, Book 2)

A sexy, emotional New Adult romance about a bad boy on the edge and a good girl about to lose control…

The star catcher of the college baseball team isn’t supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them—something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working the suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling too far.

Holly: I discovered Lee last year. I really liked her debut and am happy to report she delivered with this book as well. It deals with some pretty heavy issues and tended toward the dark, but the romance was good and I fell right into the story. I definitely recommend it.

Rowena: I read Christina Lee’s first book, All of You and I really liked it.  I’m definitely looking forward to reading this one.  Especially since Holly already read it and recommends it.

markedMarked by Vivian Arend, Lauren Dane and Kit Rocha

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lauren Dane takes you into a brand new world in ALL THAT REMAINS. Summer Killian falls fast and hard when Charlie arrives in Paradise Village. But the heat turns all the way up when she learns Charlie is also with Hatch – the man she loved three years before. While she’s not sure she’s cut out for a triad, neither man is going to give her up.

Take a ROCKY RIDE with New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Vivian Arend as she leads you back to the Six Pack Ranch. Anna Coleman might be the law around Rocky Mountain House, but bad boy Mitch Thompson knows that under the stiff RCMP uniform is a woman with a passion for speed and pleasure that matches his own, and he’s not giving up until she’s his.

Kit Rocha returns to Sector Four in BEYOND TEMPTATION. A promise to a dying friend backfires when Noah Lennox finds that the girl he was supposed to rescue is all grown up–and wearing O’Kane ink. He wants to protect her from the secrets of their past, but she wants him. And an O’Kane woman always gets what she wants.

Holly: I love all three of these authors and admit to squealing a little when I saw they were doing an anthology together. I’m looking forward to Dane’s new series and I already love the Six Pack Ranch and Sector Four books. This is a Trifecta of Goodness.

Perfect Together by Carly Phillips (Serendipity’s Finest, Book 3)

In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s finest?

Tired of being the easygoing daughter, always ignored in favor of her high-maintenance sister, and no longer interested in being her fiancé’s trophy wife, Nicole Farnsworth calls off her wedding. All she wants is to be herself. And where better to find her destiny than Serendipity? The place where she met the one man who made her heart beat faster, and gave her the courage to reinvent her life—even if he doesn’t know it.

Officer Sam Marsden calls Serendipity home and he loves it there—even though his childhood sweetheart was stolen by his best friend. After such heartbreak, Sam fears he can’t trust his instincts when it comes to love. Yet he’s so tempted by Nicole, a woman he met only briefly but who has starred in his dreams ever since. For Nicole and Sam, opening their hearts one more time could change their lives forever. But who’ll be the first to take that chance?

Holly: This is such a great series. I really like how Phillips balances humor and emotion. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re definitely missing out.

Rowena: I really like this series and I’m sad that this is the last of the Serendipity Finest books.  I’m so looking forward to reading this book.

As Hot As It Gets by Elle Kennedy (Out of Uniform, Book 10)

Sea, air, land, the bedroom…this SEAL is always in command.

An Out of Uniform Story

After watching his teammates settle down one by one, Navy SEAL Jackson Ramsey is ready to say goodbye to the single life. He’s even met a woman who intrigues him, challenges him, and turns him right on—Mia Weldrick, the funny and beautiful gardener he can’t wait to get to know better.

Except Mia isn’t interested in dating him, which means it’s time for Jackson to unleash his Texas charm and do some serious wooing.

With a teenage brother to raise, two jobs, and, frankly, a complete disinterest in sex, Mia has no room in her busy life for a six-foot-five SEAL with a naughty streak a mile wide. But one hot kiss from Jackson has her imagining all the dirty ways she could fit him in.

It isn’t long before their no-string fling transforms into something more. As desire unearths emotions and deeply buried secrets, Mia has to decide whether to give love a chance to grow, or let it slip it away.

Holly: I really like this series. The books are light, fluffy reads and I tend to zip right through them. Plus, they’re hot. I privately refer to this series as the Threesome Series. I swear there’s a threesome in every book. They don’t generally end in a permanent threesome, but these boys love to share. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

All for YouAll For You by Jessica Scott (Coming Home, Book 4)

Can a battle-scarred warrior . . .

Stay sober. Get deployed. Lead his platoon. Those are the only things that matter to Sergeant First Class Reza Iaconelli. What he wants is for everyone to stay out of his way; what he gets is Captain Emily Lindberg telling him how to deal with his men. Fort Hood’s newest shrink is smart as a whip and sexy as hell. She’s also full of questions—about the army, its soldiers, and the agony etched on Reza’s body and soul.

. . . open his heart to love?

Emily has devoted her life to giving soldiers the care they need—and deserve. Little does she know that means facing down the fierce wall of muscle that is Sergeant Iaconelli like it’s just another day at the office. When Reza agrees to help her understand what makes a soldier tick, she’s thrilled. Too bad it doesn’t help her unravel the sexy warrior in front of her who stokes her desire and touches a part of her she thought long dead. He’s the man who thinks combat is the only escape from the demons that haunt him. The man who needs her most of all . . .

Holly: Iaconelli has been an enigma in the previous books. I’m looking forward to discovering his secrets. Scott does a great job of balancing the real life issues that come with being in the military and emotional ties.

Rowena: I really want to read this book.  I remember Iaconelli from Until There Was You.  He was troubled and a little broken.  I’m curious to finally find out why.  Count me in!

Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb (In Death, Book 38)

The incomparable J. D. Robb presents the latest moving and suspenseful novel in the #1 New York Times–bestselling Eve Dallas series.

In a decrepit, long-empty New York building, Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s husband begins the demolition process by swinging a sledgehammer into a wall. When the dust clears, there are two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it. He summons his wife immediately—and by the time she’s done with the crime scene, there are twelve murders to be solved.

The place once housed a makeshift shelter for troubled teenagers, back in the mid-2040s, and Eve tracks down the people who ran it. Between their recollections and the work of the force’s new forensic anthropologist, Eve begins to put names and faces to the remains. They are all young girls. A tattooed tough girl who dealt in illegal drugs. The runaway daughter of a pair of well-to-do doctors. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life.

Then Eve discovers a connection between the victims and someone she knows. And she grows even more determined to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and the evil concealed in one human heart.

Holly: I can’t believe this is book 38. I still need to read the previous book. I binged on the series last year and I haven’t been in the mood since. But I feel a slight craving for Eve and Roarke creeping back in, so I’m sure I’ll pick this up before too long.

Hope Smolders by Jaci Burton (Hope, Book 0.5)

A HOPE NOVELLA 

“Jaci Burton does raw, passionate romance like no other” (Joyfully Reviewed), and the New York Times bestselling author of Hope Ignitesand the hot new Play-by-Play novel Straddling the Line proves it again in this novella of second chances…

Jane Kline is a struggling divorcee and single mother with a social life on hold. Not only does Jane not have the time to date anyone, she’s not even going to consider making herself vulnerable to another man after being deserted by her husband. That’s why Will Griffin, her ex’s former best friend, takes her totally by surprise.

What would such a hot and sexy wild card see in a harried mother juggling two kids and two jobs? For starters, everything Jane no longer sees in herself. As she dares to take the flirtation to the next step, Jane finds herself back where she never wanted to be—falling for another man. Now it’s up to Will to convince Jane that she has everything he wants in a woman, and that the second time around can be the best time of all.

Holly: The first book in Burton’s new small-town series, Hope Flames, released last month. This is a prequel of sorts. I’m looking forward to the novella as I really liked the couple in the first book.

Rowena: I want to read this book because it’s a Jaci Burton and one of these days, I’m going to read a book by her.

Baby be MineBaby, Be Mine by Vivian Arend (Thompson and Sons, Book 2)

What the mind forgets, the heart remembers.

Since the moment Katy Thompson transformed from annoying tagalong to desirable woman, Gage Jenick has awaited his chance. When she kicks her boyfriend to the curb, he doesn’t hold back—in spite of the next day work assignment that will take him away for six long months.

After a head injury sustained on a storm-swept road, Katy can’t remember her own email password, much less how the little pink “positive” on the pregnancy stick got there. Barring an influx of midichlorians, she’s at a loss to explain what happened, or when…or with whom.

Suddenly Gage is back in her life as if he has a right to be there. While she vividly remembers the crush she had on him, she’s no one’s charity case. But another thing she’d forgotten was just how stubborn Gage can be—especially when her domineering ex tries to stake a claim…

Holly: I’m not a big fan of the amnesia, nor the secret baby plots. Though I admit if ever there was a good reason for a secret baby, amnesia is it. I trust Arend and look forward to seeing where she takes the story.

Once in a LifetimeOnce in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis

SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT
After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he’s back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she’s not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben – even though he has absolutely no idea what she’s done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

Holly:  Another Lucky Harbor book. It’s Jill Shalvis. What more do I need to say?

Rowena: I’m with Holly.  This is a Jill Shalvis.  Of course I’m reading this. Again.  I already read and loved it so you guys should definitely read and love it too.

Matchless RomanceA Matchless Romance by Christi Barth (Aisle Bound, Book 4)

Tabitha Bell is the face of Chicago’s premiere matchmaking service. At least, she hopes it will be someday, once business really takes off. What she needs is more clients, so when she meets a sexy gamer in need of help, it’s the perfect opportunity.

His discomfort talking to women almost cost Drew Watson his job. He’d be happy holed up in his office, designing blockbuster video games, but his boss considers talking to investors a nonnegotiable requirement. Who better than a matchmaker to teach him how to be comfortable around the opposite sex? Trouble is, Drew wants to get more than comfortable with Tabitha, while she’s determined to keep their relationship all business.

Soon Tabitha learns that beneath the geek-chic hoodie lies six feet of sexy physique—and the more time she spends with Drew, the more she appreciates his brainy brand of charm. Will she succumb to his sweet-but-nerdy charm offensive or will it be game over before he can win her heart?

Holly: Barth writes pretty solid contemporary romances. Sometimes they have some depth, but more often than not they’re just perfect for a sweet afternoon read.

Blue NotesBlue Notes by Carrie Lofty

For fans of Jamie McGuire and S.C. Stephens, a sizzling new adult novel featuring the tumultuous relationship between a young piano prodigy and a reluctant billionaire playboy—set against the vibrant backdrop of a New Orleans college campus.

After being bounced from foster family to foster family, Keeley, a talented pianist, is ready to start over as a junior at Tulane. But when she plays a small concert that attracts the attention of Jude, a brooding playboy and heir to an enormous fortune in the wake of his parents’ tragic death, suddenly Keeley’s life is thrown off balance once again.

Jude is the first person to confront her about the pain behind her music, and she struggles with whether or not to let him into her life, or to keep protecting herself from the hurt that relationships have caused her in the past. But Keeley’s about to learn that the melancholy young billionaire who appears to have everything can open her eyes to exactly what she needs…

Holly: Lofty has tremendous talent. I’m really excited about this book. I love musicians, especially when they’re well written. And Lofty always writes them well. I expect some angst and a lot of dark undertones, along with a really great story.

First RespondersFirst Responders by Donna Alward (First Responders, Books 1 & 2)

The only thing sexier than a man in uniform…is the same man out of it.

Off the Clock
When paramedic Gabe Brenner witnesses an accident and rushes in to help, he’s surprised to find his best friend’s sister is in the car. And she’s pregnant.

Carly’s never been so glad to see a friendly face. But having just closed the book on a crumbling marriage, she’s not too keen on opening herself up to hurt again. Not even for the one man who’s always seemed to be there when she needed him most.

Gabe knows he shouldn’t be falling for Carly, but the chemistry still simmering between them after all these years is no accident. All he has to do is convince her she belongs in the space he’s always held open for her.

Holly: I really like Donna Alward. Her stories are always well balanced and steady. I like to curl up with two or three at a time. Which makes this the perfect anthology, since it contains two of her books in one. Sexy firefighters and paramedics? Sign me up.

Be with MeBe with Me by J. Lynn (Wait for You #2)

Do Teresa and Jase have a real shot at getting together or will life get in the way?

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, life-changing kiss. Then she got out of a terrible relationship. Now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for plan B: college. And maybe she’ll have a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone—especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about is kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Teresa can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not. . . .

Rowena: I read the first book in this series and adored it. I cannot wait to jump right into this book since it’s the love interest from the first book’s sister who was going through some big stuff in Wait for You. I can’t wait to see what she goes through in this one and Jase? LOVE HIM.

Holly: I have the first book in my TBR pile. I hope to get to it soon. The premise of this one interests me to I’m going to add it to my pile as well.

When the Duke was WickedWhen the Duke was Wicked by Lorraine Heath (Scandalous Gentlemen of St. James, #1)

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

Lady Grace Mabry’s ample inheritance has made it impossible for her to tell whether a suitor is in love with her— or enamored of her riches. Who better to distinguish beau from blackguard than her notorious childhood friend, the Duke of Lovingdon?

With no interest in marriage, Lovingdon has long lived only for pleasure. He sees little harm in helping Grace find a proper match. He simply has to teach the lovely innocent all the ploys a scoundrel uses to gain a woman’s favor— by demonstrating his wicked ways. But as lessons lead to torrid passion and Grace becomes ensnared in another man’s marriage plot, Lovingdon must wage a desperate gamble: Open his heart fully—or risk losing the woman he adores …

Rowena:  I enjoy Lorraine Heath’s books so I’m really looking forward to what she brings with this new series.

Here are some other books that are coming out this month:

  • 2/1: This Time Around (Maybe #2) by Chantal Fernando
  • 2/4: Letting Go (Surrender Trilogy #1) by Maya Banks
  • 2/4: High Seduction by Vivian Arend
  • 2/4: Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn
  • 2/4: All You Need is Love by Marie Force
  • 2/4: Falling Light by Thea Harrison
  • 2/4: Jaded by Anne Calhoun
  • 2/4: Explosive by Beth Kery
  • 2/4: Lord of the Rakes by Darcy Wilde
  • 2/4: Scarlet Devices by Delphine Dryden
  • 2/4: The Countess Confessions Jillian Hunter
  • 2/4: Take Two by Laurelin Paige
  • 2/4: Watch Your Back by Karen Rose
  • 2/4: Avenger’s Heat by Katie Reus
  • 2/4: Had to be You by Robin Kaye
  • 2/4: Tone Deaf by Olivia Rogers
  • 2/4: Saving Quinton (Nova #2) by Jessica Sorensen
  • 2/7: Unbeloved by Madeline Sheehan
  • 2/10: Untitled (Love and Games #3) by Rachel Games
  • 2/10: The Forbidden Ranch (Three River Ranch #4) by Roxanne Snopek
  • 2/18: Dungeon Royale (Masters & Mercenaries #6) by Lexi Blake
  • 2/24: Donners of the Dead Karina Halle
  • 2/25: Hard as You Can by Laura Kaye
  • 2/25: Kiss and Tell (Sisterhood #3) by Fern Michaels
  • 2/25: The Bride Says Maybe by Cathy Maxwell
  • 2/25: Recklessly Royal by Nichole Chase
  • 2/25: A Promise at Bluebell Hill by Emma Cane
  • 2/25: Devil’s Prize by Kat Martin
  • 2/25: Rules of Entanglement by Gina L. Maxwell
  • 2/25: The Problem with Promises by Leigh Evans
  • 2/25: The Scandalous Duke Takes a Bride by Tiffany  Clare
  • 2/25: Thrown for a Curve by Sugar Jamison
  • 2/25: Love Another Day by Gina Robinson
  • 2/25: The Eldritch Conspiracy by Cat Adams
  • 2/25: Take a Chance (Chance #1) by Abbi Glines
  • 2/28: Rare and Precious Things (The Blackstone Affair #4) by Raine Miller

What books are you looking forward to this month?


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