Why must there be so many great releases each month? My poor bank account hasn’t recovered from March yet.
J.R. Ward’s # 1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood continues as a royal bloodline is compromised by a grave threat to the throne.
Long live the King…
After turning his back on the throne for centuries, Wrath, son of Wrath, finally assumed his father’s mantle–with the help of his beloved mate. But the crown sets heavily on his head. As the war with the Lessening Society rages on, and the threat from the Band of Bastards truly hits home, he is forced to make choices that put everything–and everyone–at risk.
Beth Randall thought she knew what she was getting into when she mated the last pure blooded vampire on the planet: An easy ride was not it. But when she decides she wants a child, she’s unprepared for Wrath’s response–or the distance it creates between them.
The question is, will true love win out… or tortured legacy take over?
Holly: I don’t read this series – haven’t since about book 3 – but I know a lot of readers are excited for this one to release. Especially since it’s a continuation of Beth and Wrath’s story from book 1.
Will their past determine their future?
Saint Ford has worked hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming of nurse. Focused on her work and devoted to her patients, there’s no room for love. She doesn’t need a guy making waves in her calm, serene life—especially when he’s the unforgettable hottie who nearly destroyed her in high school. Dark, brooding Nash Donovan might not remember her or the terrible pain he caused. But he turned her world upside down . . . and now he’s trying to do it again.
Saint has no idea that Nash isn’t the cocky player he once was. Uncovering a devastating family secret has rocked his world, and now he’s struggling to figure out his future. He can’t be distracted by the pretty nurse he seems to meet everywhere. Still, he can’t ignore the sparks that fly between them —or how she seems so desperate to get away from him. But the funny, sweet, and drop-dead gorgeous Saint is far too amazing to give up on—especially since she’s the only thing in his life that seems to make sense.
When Nash discovers the truth about their past, he realizes he may have lost her heart before he could even fight for it. Now, Saint has to decide: is Nash worth risking herself for all over again?
Holly: I’m behind a book in this series, but I think Crownover has a fresh voice. I look forward to this one.
Rowena: I’ve only read Rome’s book in this series but I did like it and I do have plans to read this book. I liked Nash in Rome so I’m looking forward to getting to know him better in this one.
Out of the Shallows by Samantha Young
From the New York Times bestselling author of Into the Deep
LIVE YOUNG. LIVE HARD. LOVE DEEP.
Charley and Jake’s story concludes in Out of the Shallows…
Somehow, after everything they’ve been through, Jake Caplin and Charley Redford made their way back to one another. But finding each other and staying together are two completely different things.
When Charley’s world is flipped upside down, she begins to question the choices and decisions she’s made since her arrival in Edinburgh, and in an effort to grip onto what she holds most dear she believes she must sacrifice her love for Jake.
Returning to the States for her senior year, Charley struggles to find peace and happiness. While everyone else seems to be finding themselves in college, Charley is terrified that, along with almost everything else that’s important to her, she’s lost herself.
While friends and family deal with their own tumultuous lives, there is one person resolved to uncover the reason behind Charley’s sudden defection and unhappiness. Refusing to give up without a fight, Jake believes he is the only one who can truly understand what Charley is going through, and this time he’s determined to prove he’s there for her no matter what obstacles are thrown in their way.
However, as Charley strives to make it through the biggest personal journey of her life thus far, there is no guarantee that the woman she is becoming will still need Jake as much as the girl she once was did…
Holly: I wasn’t in love with Into the Deep, the prequel to this book. The heroine bothered me, I wanted to smack the hero upside the head and the cliffhanger ending made me want to tear my hair out. But..I know I’ll be buying this as soon as it releases.
Rowena: Like Holly, I wasn’t in love with the first book in this series but I also couldn’t put it down. lol. I’m most interested in seeing where Young takes Jake and Charley’s story. I know that we haven’t seen the last of Melissa and I’m not at all looking forward to reading what drama she brings to the table but I’ll still be reading this one.
Early in her life, Josephine Malone learned the hard way that there was only one person she could love and trust: her grandmother, Lydia Malone. Out of necessity, unconsciously and very successfully, Josephine donned a disguise to keep all others at bay. She led a globetrotting lifestyle on the fringes of the fashion and music elite, but she kept herself distant.
While Josephine was trotting the globe, retired boxer Jake Spear was living in the same small town as Lydia. There was nothing disguised about Jake. Including the fact he made a habit of making very bad decisions about who to give his love.
But for Josephine and Jake, there was one person who adored them. One person who knew how to lead them to happiness. And one person who was intent on doing it.
Even if she had to do it as her final wish on this earth.
Holly: I know, I know. I should give up on Ashley already, but I just can’t. Besides, this is the start of a new series. How can I say no to that?
Dare to Desire by Carly Phillips
Quarterback Alex Dare, had it all — an all-star football career with the Tampa Breakers and his choice of willing women — until a severe injury forces him into early retirement. When he is offered a ground-breaking position with a rival team, he’s intrigued, but there’s a catch. He’ll be working alongside the same woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his head for too long.
Social worker Madison Evans grew up in foster homes and knows first hand what it means to have-not. She isn’t impressed by Alex Dare’s wealth or charm. Not since she fell hard for him once before, only to discover she was just one of his too-easy conquests. This time around Madison refuses to succumb to Alex so easily.
But Alex wants Madison. And if there is one thing Alex does well, it’s to get what he wants. The playboy athlete must prove he’s got game in more places than on the field. He means to prove that he’s a changed man but no sooner does he begin to break through Madison’s defenses when a new opportunity comes knocking and threatens her new-found trust. Can he make Madison take a risk and dare to love?
Holly: Carly Phillips? Check. Football themed? Check. Contemporary romance? Check. Pre-ordered? Check.
Rowena: Ditto to everything Holly said.
Once Upon a Billionaire by Jessica Clare
The Billionaire Boys Club is a secret society of six men who have vowed success—at any cost. Not all of them are old money, but all of them are incredibly wealthy. They’re just not always as successful when it comes to love…
As a member of the royal family in a small European country, Griffin Verdi’s presence is requested at the wedding of the century. The scholarly billionaire feels out of his depth in social situations, so a good assistant is required—especially when dealing with royal etiquette.
Unfortunately for Griffin, he’s stuck with Maylee Meriweather, a pretty, charming, and thoroughly unsuitable woman who doesn’t know a thing about high society—but she sure can kiss. Her lack of polish may sink Griffin, because after all, even his money can’t buy class. But through Maylee’s eyes, he’s starting to appreciate the simple things in life—if simple means the most complicated woman he’s ever met.
Maylee is everything Griffin isn’t—and everything he wants—if he can let down his guard and step outside his sheltered world…
Holly: I’m really enjoying this series of Clare’s. I’m excited to finally find out more about Griffin.
Includes Animal Magnetism and Animal Attraction—together in one volume for the first time!
From New York Times bestselling “master storyteller”* Jill Shalvis come two stories of love on the wild side
Animal Magnetism
When Lilah Young rear-ends the truck of pilot-for-hire Brady Miller, the kennel co-owner finds it hard to ignore the sexy, gorgeous stranger. Lilah has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life, and Brady is just passing through, but both of them are abandoning their instincts to surrender to primal desire.
Animal Attraction
Jade Bennett has found refuge as a receptionist at Dell Connelly’s veterinary clinic. Used to planning everything in her life, Jade is surprised when Dell’s seductive, alluring ways spark an uncontrollable desire. And though Dell has never had time for love, Jade’s strength and sass are the kind of call no red-blooded male can resist
Holly: This is a release of Animal Magnetism and Animal Attraction together in one book. Both are awesome. You can’t go wrong with Shalvis.
Rowena: Again, everything Holly says. 🙂
Her Kind of Trouble by Sarah Mayberry
It takes one to know one
The moment Vivian Walker spies Seth Anderson she knows they’re a match made in hedonistic pleasure. And they both agree their one night together is all about fun, not forever.
Now, years later, Seth remains a favorite memory. Surely the sizzling chemistry has faded, though, right? Apparently not. Because he’s still sinfully attractive, and she likes the man he is. When he suddenly becomes a full-time dad to his newborn daughter, Vivian falls hard. Yet despite the responsibilities, he’s not a good bet for commitment. And she needs to guard her heart before she gets into trouble!
Holly: I love Mayberry. That’s it. That’s the whole reason I plan to read this one.
Alpha’s After Dark by Vivian Arend, et al
Join nine NY Times, USA Today, and Bestselling authors as they bring you the ultimate Alpha-Male anthology, featuring BRAND NEW novellas linked to their most popular series
Holly: This is a collection of novellas from quite a few paranormal romance authors. I put it on my wishlist because of the Arend, but I have no doubt there are some other great stories in here as well.
Burn for Me by Shiloh Walker
Scarred long ago by the disappearance of his mother, Nichole, Tate Bell aches to spend his days and nights with Ali Holmes, a woman he’s loved for years. But while Ali’s heart pines to be with Tate, her head has reservations… Ali knows that Tate has never forgiven his father for the fight he had with Nichole right before she left the house—and was never heard from again. Ali thinks that Tate’s unresolved anger is a force to be reckoned with…even though the heat that blazes between them is undeniable. Now both Tate and Ali are left to wonder: Can love really conquer all?
Holly: The blurb for this one really caught my eye. I love the tortured heroes. I’m sure Walker won’t disappoint.
Jensen Bell had twelve happy years before her her mother disappeared and her whole world went to pieces. Since then, she’s become a cop—one who takes great pride in her work, and in helping keep others safe. The saving grace in her own life has been Dean West, the only man who can make her burn with desire and help her through her burdens. But when a shocking discovery turns her life upside-down, even being wrapped in Dean’s arms might not be enough to keep her out of harm’s way…
Holly: This is part of that same series.
House on Blackberry Hill by Donna Alward
When a young woman inherits a rundown mansion, the last thing she expects to find is the key to her heart…
Abby Foster is a fish out of water in the Maine coastal town of Jewell Cove. The crumbling Foster estate, left to her by a relative she never even knew, has everyone’s eyes on her—an eerie reminder of the long-buried family secrets that have haunted her…forever. Single, stunning, and sometimes too strong-willed for her own good, Abby’s plan is to sell the house and hightail it back to Nova Scotia. But another part of her is intrigued by the idea of starting over somewhere new—and finally learning the truth about her heritage.
The House On Blackberry Hill
Enter Tom Arseneault. The best contractor in Jewell Cove, Tom is determined to restore the beauty and prestige of the Foster mansion—and maybe even work his charms on its beautiful new heir. The attraction between him and Abby is undeniable, and the more time Tom spends on the house the more he wants to be in it with her. But Abby’s not sure she can trust him—or anyone in Jewell Cove who seems to know more about her family history than she does. Home: Is it really where the heart is after all?
Holly: Alward does contemporary romance really well. I always fall into her stories. I’m looking forward to this one.
In the latest Shifters Unbound novel, a man has resigned himself to a life half lived. But a beautiful, courageous woman has him longing for something more…
Graham McNeil knows that his pack is unruly, but he’s not sure he can take the next step toward pack stability. After losing his first mate long ago, Graham has worked hard to keep his heart in check. Besides, even if he was inclined to choose a new mate, his girlfriend, Misty, is human—a fact that won’t sit well with Graham’s old-fashioned pack.
But Misty is going through a crisis of her own, one that brings danger and death to the pack. With the wolves doubly convinced that there needs to be a shake-up, Graham must now defend his leadership and save the woman he has grown to love—before Shiftertown is pulled into an all-out war.
Holly: I was curious about Graham from previous books and I’m happy to report he doesn’t disappoint. I really loved this story. I can’t wait to see where Ashley goes next.
Shattered Moon by Moira Rogers
Welcome back to the Bloodhound Guild, where loyalty is the law. And love is for life.
Archer’s Lady
Rescuing the vampire-besieged town of Crystal Springs is the worst job yet in Archer’s quest to earn back the trust of his fellow bloodhounds.
Grace, a professional liar, built a respectable life as a border schoolteacher. But when Archer catches her trying to flee, she knows it’s only a matter of time before he sees through her con.
Every knot of mystery they uncover binds them closer together—until investigation uncovers a secret that could make betraying the Bloodhound Guild their only path to redemption.
Diana’s Hound
Nate was a world-class inventor before a laboratory disaster turned him into a half-vampire, half-bloodhound abomination.
Diana is another creature that shouldn’t exist—a female bloodhound. While Nate seems torn between a desire to study her and a need to protect her, Diana’s desire for him is a lot more carnal.
As they team up to infiltrate the vampires’ capital city, their inner bloodhounds feel the mating pull. Which means they could both end up worse than dead…for a bloodhound never survives his mate for long.
Warning: Contains a partly reformed con-artist, a mostly retired bank-robber, a badass vampire hunter and a broody half-vampire looking for a reason to live again. Also included: an alarming amount of dirty talk and borderline-criminal bedroom antics.
Holly: I’m not a fan of vampires usually, but I love Rogers and expect great things from this one.
There’s just something about Clare. Apart from the ghosts…
When her eccentric aunt passes away, no-nonsense accountant Clare Cermac inherits more than just a small fortune. She receives the gift of communicating with ghosts. While Clare may not believe in spirits, it’s hard to overlook the shadowy talking dog appearing on her bed or spectral cowboys tipping their hats to her in the streets of Denver. And when she locks eyes with sexy—and living—Zach Slade, there’s certainly no ignoring him either.
A former deputy sheriff, Zach is leaving a painful past behind in Montana for a new life in Denver as a private investigator, a job that has him crossing paths with beautiful Clare. Not that she minds. After the restless ghost of a Wild West gunman demands her assistance, Clare finds herself needing Zach more and more—and not just for help.
Holly: I absolutely adore Owens’ Celta series, but I had reservations about her writing a contemporary paranormal series. It was better than I expected. I recommend this one.
The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith.
Lucy lives on the twenty-fourth floor. Owen lives in the basement. It’s fitting, then, that they meet in the middle — stuck between two floors of a New York City apartment building, on an elevator rendered useless by a citywide blackout. After they’re rescued, Lucy and Owen spend the night wandering the darkened streets and marveling at the rare appearance of stars above Manhattan. But once the power is back, so is reality. Lucy soon moves abroad with her parents, while Owen heads out west with his father.
The brief time they spend together leaves a mark. And as their lives take them to Edinburgh and to San Francisco, to Prague and to Portland, Lucy and Owen stay in touch through postcards, occasional e-mails, and phone calls. But can they — despite the odds — find a way to reunite?
Rowena: I’ve read and enjoyed Smith’s book in the past and this one sounds like something I’d enjoy so I’m looking forward to reading it.
Open Road Summer by Emery Lord.
After breaking up with her bad-news boyfriend, Reagan O’Neill is ready to leave her rebellious ways behind. . . and her best friend, country superstar Lilah Montgomery, is nursing a broken heart of her own. Fortunately, Lilah’s 24-city tour is about to kick off, offering a perfect opportunity for a girls-only summer of break-up ballads and healing hearts. But when Matt Finch joins the tour as its opening act, his boy-next-door charm proves difficult for Reagan to resist, despite her vow to live a drama-free existence. This summer, Reagan and Lilah will navigate the ups and downs of fame and friendship as they come to see that giving your heart to the right person is always a risk worth taking. A fresh new voice in contemporary romance, Emery Lord’s gorgeous writing hits all the right notes.
Rowena: I’m a big fan of summer romances and stories about friendship so this one stood out for me. I’m definitely going to give this one a try.
The Last Forever by Deb Caletti.
Beginnings and endings overlap in this soaring novel of love and loss from bestselling author and National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti, whose writing SLJ has called “reminiscent of the best of Sarah Dessen.”
Nothing lasts forever, and no one gets that more than Tessa. After her mother died, it’s all she can do to keep her friends, her boyfriend, her happiness from slipping away. And then there’s her dad. He’s stuck in his own daze, and it’s hard to feel like a family when their house no longer seems like a home.
Her father’s solution? An impromptu road trip that lands them in a small coastal town. Despite all the beauty there, Tessa can’t help but feel even more lost. Her most cherished possession—a rare plant of her mother’s—is starting to wither, and with it, Tessa’s heart and her hope.
Enter Henry Lark. He understands the relationships that matter. And more important, he understands her. Though secrets stand between them, each has a chance at healing…if first, Tessa can find the courage to believe in forever.
Rowena: I like Caletti’s books so I’m looking forward to digging into this one.
Emma Putnam is dead, and it’s all Sara Wharton’s fault.
At least, that’s what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma’s shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who’s ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media.
During the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her role in an undeniable tragedy. And she’ll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.
In this powerful debut novel inspired by real-life events, Amanda Maciel weaves a narrative of high school life as complex and heartbreaking as it is familiar: a story of everyday jealousies and resentments, misunderstandings and desires. Tease is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt readers long after the last page.
Rowena: This sounds like an interesting story and I’m not a fan of bullies so I’m going to be reading this one to see for myself if justice is served. 🙂 Or if this is a case of misunderstandings.
How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days by Laura Lee Gurhke.
They had a deal . . .
From the moment she met the devil-may-care Duke of Margrave, Edie knew he could change her life. And when he agreed to her outrageous proposal of a marriage of convenience, she was transformed from ruined American heiress to English duchess. Five years later, she’s delighted with their arrangement, especially since her husband is living on another continent.
But deals are made to be broken . . .
By marrying an heiress, Stuart was able to pay his family’s enormous debts, and Edie’s terms that he leave England forever seemed a small price to pay. But when a brush with death impels him home, he decides it’s time for a real marriage with his luscious American bride, and he proposes a bold new bargain: ten days to win her willing kiss. But is ten days enough to win her heart?
Rowena: I like Gurke’s work and this one sounds like a good one. Count me in.
Don’t Call Me Baby by Gwendolyn Heasley.
All my life, |’ve been known as the girl on that blog.
Do you know what it’s like for everyone to think they know you because of what they read on some stupid website? My mother has been writing an incredibly popular, and incredibly embarrassing, blog about me since before I was born. The thing is, I’m fifteen now, and she is still blogging about me. In gruesome detail.
You can read my life as my mom tells it on mommyliciousmeg.com. But this story is my actual life and about what happened when my BFF Sage and I decided to tell the real truth about our lives under a virtual microscope. Thanks for reading.. . . Just don’t call me Babylicious.
Rowena: This sounds like a good one so here’s another one to count me in for.
The Last Best Kiss by Claire LaZebnik.
When it comes to love, is there such a thing as a second chance?
Anna Eliot is tired of worrying about what other people think. After all, that was how she lost the only guy she ever really liked. Back in freshman year she was too embarrassed to admit to her friends that she liked skinny, nerdy Finn Westbrook. Then his family moved away, and all Anna had left was regret.
Now it’s senior year, and Finn is back. Anna can’t believe her luck—maybe now she’ll get the chance to relive their last kiss again (and again and again). But he obviously hasn’t forgotten how she treated him, and while this newly confident, adorable Finn is happy to flirt with all of Anna’s friends, he makes it clear he has no interest in having anything to do with her.
Anna keeps trying to persuade herself that she doesn’t care about Finn either, but even though they’ve both changed since they first met, deep down she knows he’s the guy for her. Now if only she can get him to believe that, too . . .
Rowena: This sounds like such a cute read and I’ve heard a lot of good things about LaZebnik’s books so I’m very interested in reading this one.
What I Thought was True by Huntley Fitzpatrick.
Gwen Castle’s Biggest Mistake Ever, Cassidy Somers, is slumming it as a yard boy on her idyllic Nantucket-esque island this summer. He’s a rich kid from across the bridge in Stony Bay, and she hails from a family of fishermen and housecleaners who keep the island’s summer people happy. Gwen worries a life of cleaning houses will be her fate too, but just when it looks like she’ll never escape her past—or the island—Gwen’s dad gives her some shocking advice. Sparks fly and secret histories unspool as Gwen spends a gorgeous, restless summer struggling to resolve what she thought was true—about the place she lives, the people she loves, and even herself—with what really is.
Rowena: I read Fitzpatrick’s first book, My Life Next Door, and really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to seeing what she brings with her sophomore release.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han.
Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control in this heartfelt novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.
What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once?
Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
Rowena: Yeah, this one sounds like a good one. I want!
And there you have it…the books that Holly & I are looking forward to.
What books are you looking forward to? Did we miss anything?
Just finished Julie Ann Long’s Devil and Ian Eversea. Story was good and satisfying mostly because I love her writing and we get to revisit the Duke and Genevieve. And gasp! We’re so close to the Olivia and Lyon’s story, I could almost taste it.
Ah, anticipation is….delicious.
I want Olivia and Lyon’s story SO BAD! Long is mean to tease us like she does. Each book that’s announced I think “this is it!”, then no. Sigh.
So I just found out that Samantha Young wrote up an excerpt from Jake’s POV (from Into the Deep) where he’s banging Melissa and now I don’t want to read the next book. Ugh. Why do we need something like that?
Okay, no. I don’t think I want to read it then. I’ll wait for you to cave and read it. Then you can tell me all about it. 🙂