Books to Binge On: January 2014

Holly: There are some great books coming out in January. A few I’ve already read, and many others I can’t wait to get to. Here are the books I’m anxious to binge on in January.

Rome by Jay Crownover (Marked Men #3)

Sometimes the wrong choice can be just right . . .

Fun and fearless, Cora Lewis knows how to keep her tattooed “bad boy” friends at the Marked in line. But beneath all that flash and sass is a broken heart. Cora won’t let herself get burned again. She’s waiting to fall in love with the perfect man—a baggage-free, drama-free guy ready for commitment. Then she meets Rome Archer.

Rome Archer is as far from perfect as a man can be. He’s stubborn, rigid, and bossy. And he’s returned from his final tour of duty more than a little broken. Rome’s used to filling many roles: big brother, doting son, supersoldier—but none of those fit anymore. Now he’s just a man trying to figure out what to do with the rest of his life while keeping the dark demons of war and loss at bay. He would have been glad to suffer through it alone, until Cora comes sweeping into his life and becomes a blinding flash of color in a sea of gray.Perfect may not be in the cards, but perfectly imperfect could just last forever . . .

Holly: I really enjoyed the first, Rule, and liked the second, Jet. I have high hopes for this one.

Rowena: I haven’t read either the first book or the third book in this series but I did read this one and you guys, it’s good.  I’m definitely going to read the other two now.

Before Jamaica Lane by Samantha Young (Dublin Street #3)

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 brokenhearted. 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….

Holly: Though I didn’t love On Dublin Street, I fell in love with book two, Down London Road. Though I found this book more problematic than DLR, I can’t deny it was a satisfying read.

Rowena: This is another book that I’ve read already but enjoyed so much that I wanted to feature it so that you lovely readers can binge on it this month. You can read my review for this book, here.

The Expert’s Guide to Driving a Man Wild by Jessica Clare (Bluebonnet #3)

Being out of control…

The product of a rigid upbringing, Brenna has grown into a sexy free spirit who does things her way. No possessions, no debt, no man, and no rules to tie her down. And if she has to work, what better way than as assistant in a wilderness expedition team? So many opportunities to go wild.

…can be risky when you’re falling in love.

One person who doesn’t “get” Brenna is her boss, Grant. He prefers order and emotions kept in check, which means Brenna loves to push his boundaries. He’d be impossible to work for if he wasn’t so infuriatingly hot. But when his overbearing, matchmaking mother arrives in town, Brenna volunteers to be Grant’s pretend girlfriend. After all, it’s the perfect opportunity to drive Grant crazy at every turn.

Brenna’s just a little surprised when Grant agrees to her wild, impulsive schemes. And she’s more than a little surprised when their games take them to the bedroom….

Holly: I didn’t read the previous two so I can’t compare. This was a fun book. It deals with some heavier issues but it isn’t a heavy read. Clare is an author I discovered and binged on in 2013. I look forward to carrying that over in 2014.

Perfect Stranger by Carly Phillips (Serendipity #3.5)

As dedicated a doctor as she is, Alexa Collins can’t help but feel exhausted trying to live up to her father’s expectations. And because of that unyielding commitment to her profession, Alexa has a built up a wall of defenses, especially when it comes to personal relationships. She simply hasn’t got the time—or the inclination. That was before she met pro football player Luke Thompson.

Luke was passing through Serendipity looking for a good time. And he was determined to show Alexa how good it could be. For Alexa, a one-night stand was a promising diversion. After all, Luke would be gone in a few days, no strings attached. But she never imagined how quickly he’d break down her defenses, and leave her vulnerable to feelings she was hoping, with all her heart, to avoid. Now, how can she possibly say goodbye to so perfect a stranger as Luke?

Holly: This is a great series. I’ve really enjoyed the previous releases and I look forward to this novella.

Rowena: I agree with Holly. This is a great series and I’m really looking forward to reading this novella. Carly Phillips is making me one happy reader this year.

Back to You by Jessica Scott (Coming Home #3)

He’s in for the fight of his life . . .

Army captain Trent Davila loved his wife, Laura, and their two beautiful children. But when he almost lost his life in combat, something inside him died. He couldn’t explain the emptiness he felt or bridge the growing distance between him and his family-so he deployed again. And again. And again…until his marriage reached its breaking point. Now, with everything on the line, Trent has one last chance to prove to his wife that he can be the man she needs …if she’ll have him

. . . to win back his only love.

Laura is blindsided when Trent returns home. Time and again, he chose his men over his family, and she’s just beginning to put the pieces of her shattered heart back together. But when Trent faces a court martial on false charges, only Laura can save him. What begins as an act of kindness to protect his career inflames a desire she thought long buried-and a love that won’t be denied. But can she trust that this time he’s back to stay?

Holly: I’ve been anxiously awaiting this story since I read the first book in the series. Trent fascinated and frustrated me in the previous books and I wanted to explore the mystery of him. Scott definitely delivered. I laughed, I cried, I felt warm-fuzzies inside my heart, I cried. I cried. I highly recommend this one. Highly.

Rowena: This series kind of fell off my radar but after reading the blurb for this book, I think I want to pick it back up.  I remember Trent from the books that I read and this one sounds like a good one.  Plus, if Holly liked it? I’m going to love it.

Hope Flames by Jaci Burton (Hope # 1)

When it comes to love, they already know the rules …by heart.

Thirty-two and finally setting up her veterinary practice in the town she once called home, Emma Burnett is on her own and loving it. Independent and driven, she’s not letting any man get in the way of her dreams. Not again.

That’s fine with Luke McCormack. Divorced and hardly lacking in female company when he needs it, he’s devoted to the only faithful companion in his life—his police dog. Still, there’s something about Emma he can’t shake.

When a series of local break-ins leaves Emma vulnerable, she seeks help from the first man to spark her desire in years. And now they’re giving each other something they thought they’d lost forever …hope.

Holly: The beginning of a new contemporary series set in a small town. A hero with commitment issues, a heroine who is just a little bit broken and a bunch of adorable animals. Trust me, this is a recipe for a great read.

Rowena: Ooh, this one sounds good.  And he’s a cop? Yum. Sign me up!

Unraveled by Jen Frederick (Woodlands #3)

Twenty-five-year-old Sgt. Gray Phillips is at a crossroads in his life: stay in the Marine Corps or get out and learn to be a civilian? He’s got forty-five days of leave to make up his mind but the people in his life aren’t making the decision any easier. His dad wants him to get out; his grandfather wants him to stay in. And his growing feelings for Sam Anderson are wreaking havoc with his heart…and his mind. He believes relationships get ruined when a Marine goes on deployment. So now he’s got an even harder decision to make: take a chance on Sam or leave love behind and give his all to the Marines.

Twenty-two year old Samantha Anderson lost her husband to an IED in Afghanistan just two months after their vows. Two years later, Sam is full of regrets—that she didn’t move with her husband to Alaska; that she allowed her friends to drift away; that she hasn’t taken many chances in life. Now, she’s met Gray and taking a risk on this Marine could be her one opportunity to feel alive and in love again. But how can she risk her heart on another military man who could share the same tragic fate as her husband?

Holly: Book two, Unspoken, was one of my favorite reads of 2013. I’m really looking forward to Gray’s book.

Rowena: I’m pretty anxious for this book since I freaking LOVED Unspoken.  Gray is a friend of Bo’s and I loved him so much that I want to read about his friends now…and hope he’s in their books. =)  This sounds like a good one, will he stay in or opt out? I can’t wait to find out.

When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries (The Duke’s Men #2)

They are the Duke’s Men: an investigative agency born from family pride and irresistible passion, risking their lives—and sometimes their hearts—as they unravel shocking deceptions and scandalous transgressions!

Victor Cale never imagined that his sweet, shy bride, Isabella, would use her talent for creating exquisite imitation jewels in a criminal way. But there’s no denying that Isa’s handiwork was used in the brazen heist of the Dutch royal family’s diamonds—after she disappeared into the night.

Ten years later, still reeling from her betrayal and enraged that her duplicitous side was so undetectable, Victor is sent to Edinburgh to investigate a wealthy baron’s mysterious brideto- be. Simple enough—until the “fiancée” proves to be Isa, masquerading as an alluring young widow.

No longer the meek and mild girl he once knew, the bold woman vehemently 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 passion, which burns hotter than ever. But with a decade of secrets between them, Victor and Isa must trust each other in order to bring the real thieves to justice—without getting burned themselves.

Holly: I’m a big fan of Jeffries. She writes fabulous historical romances with strong romances and even stronger family/friendship ties. I’m behind in this series (I still need to read book one) but this is still going toward the top of my TBR pile.

The Destiny of Violet and Luke by Jessica Sorensen (The Coincidence #3)

Luke Price’s life has always been about order, control, and acting tough on the outside. For Luke, meaningless relationships are a distraction-a way to tune out the twisted memories of his childhood. He desperately wishes he could forget his past, but it haunts him no matter what he does.

Violet Hayes has had a rough life. When she was young, she was left with no family and the memory of her parents’ unsolved murders. She grew up in foster homes, living with irresponsible parents, drugs, and neglect, and trying to fight the painful memories of the night her parents were taken from her. But it’s hard to forget when she never got closure-and she can’t stop dreaming about what happened that tragic night. To make it through life, she keeps her distance from everyone and never allows herself to feel anything.

Then Violet meets Luke. The two clash instantly, yet they can’t seem to stay away from each other. Although they fight it, they both start to open up and feel things they’ve never felt before. They discover just how similar they are. But they also discover something else: The past always catches up with you . . .

Rowena: I read the first two books in this series and have always been curious about Luke’s background.  He’s such an intense character (as a secondary character to boot) and I’ve been wanting to read this ever since I finished The Redemption of Callie & Kayden.  I’m hoping that I’ll love the hell out of this book the way I did with The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden.  It’s Luke!

Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare (Castles Ever After #1)

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.

Rowena: I read this book not too long ago and enjoyed it so much that I want everyone to binge on Tessa Dare’s books this month.  She’s a great author and you guys won’t be disappointed!

The Bride Says No by Cathy Maxwell (Brides of Wishmore #1)

Lady Aileen never thought she’d be in this position—falling in love with her sister’s betrothed! Of course, her sister did run away rather than marry him, and he doesn’t seem to be all that interested in her sister either, but even so, such a match is impossible…isn’t it?

Aileen is certain she must turn away from the man she loves in order to protect her sister’s reputation. However, he’s not one to give up without a fight, and now that he’s met a woman he wants to marry, nothing on earth could convince him to let Aileen go.

Rowena:  Ooh, forbidden love! Well, almost.  This book sounds like all kinds of good and I want to read it!

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

• Deception by Evie Rose
• Raw by Belle Aurora
• Wanted by J. Kenner
• Howling for You (Chicagoland Vampires #8.5) by Chloe Neill
• After the Storm (KGI #8) by Maya Banks | Weston (Hard Body #2) by Debra Kayn
• Come to Me Quietly (Closer to You #1) by A.L. Jackson
• Conflicted Love (Needle’s Kiss #2) by Lola Stark
• Resisting the Hero (Accidentally in Love #3) by Cindi Madsen
• Some Like it Royal by Heather Long
• Tell Me When by Stina Lindenblatt
• Silencing Eve by Iris Johansen
• A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers
• Crimson Veil by Yasmine Galenorn
• Runaway Groom (Watkins Pond #1) by Virginia Nelson
• Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline
• Full Blast by Janet Evanovich
• That Touch of Magic by Lucy March
• Small Change by Sheila Roberts
• Why Earls Fall in Love by Manda Collins
• Shoreline Drive by Lily Everett
• Up from the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
• The Cowboy of Valentine Valley by Emma Cane
• Reaper’s Legacy by Joanna Wylde
• Deeper (Caroline and West #1) by Rebecca York
• Beautiful Addictions by Seasons Vining

What are you looking forward to reading this month? See any books that we missed? Share your finds with us!

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