Rowena: Another month, another list of books that we’re going to buy whether we’re supposed to or not. LOL.
1. Mai Tai’d Up by Alice Clayton.
Looking for the perfect mix of smart, sexy, and sassy? Mai Tai’d Up continues New York Times bestselling author Alice Clayton’s Cocktail series, which began with Wallbanger and continued with Rusty Nailed and Screwdrivered.
The gossip mill in the seaside community of Monterey is churning about Chloe Patterson, the newcomer who is starting a sanctuary for rescued pit bulls. It’s rumored that she’s a former beauty queen (true) who ditched her fiancé the morning of their wedding (also true). And that while she’s not looking for a new man, the good-looking local veterinarian has his eye on her. Absolutely, positively true.
When Lucas Campbell isn’t at the family veterinary clinic, he’s paddle boarding in Monterey Bay. Recently single, he’s definitely not in the market for a new relationship, but he still can’t resist taking a second, third, and fourth look at the recent arrival of Miss Golden State.
Neither Lucas nor Chloe has any interest in being tied down. Being tied up, however—now there’s a thought. But are a few Mai Tais, a moonlit night, and the music of Frank Sinatra enough to allow them both to forget their past? Let’s hope Ol’ Blue Eyes knows what he’s doing.
Mix one part tiki, one part kinky, and a splash of old black magic matchmaking, and it’s time to be . . . Mai Tai’d Up.
Rowena: I haven’t read any of the books after Wallbanger but I enjoyed Wallbanger enough that I want to finish out the story so this is definitely going on my TBB list.
Holly: I have this series in my TBR pile. I’m pretty sure I’m all burned out on NA/CR right now, but I’ll get to them…someday.
2. Breaking the Rules (Pushing the Limits #1.5) by Katie McGarry.
A summer road trip changes everything in this unforgettable new tale from acclaimed author Katie McGarry
For new high school graduate Echo Emerson, a summer road trip out west with her boyfriend means getting away and forgetting what makes her so… different. It means seeing cool sights while selling her art at galleries along the way. And most of all, it means almost three months alone with Noah Hutchins, the hot, smart, soul-battered guy who’s never judged her. Echo and Noah share everything — except the one thing Echo’s just not ready for.
But when the source of Echo’s constant nightmares comes back into her life, she has to make some tough decisions about what she really wants — even as foster kid Noah’s search for his last remaining relatives forces them both to confront some serious truths about life, love, and themselves.
Now, with one week left before college orientation, jobs and real life, Echo must decide if Noah’s more than the bad-boy fling everyone warned her he’d be. And the last leg of an amazing road trip will turn… seriously epic.
Rowena: I adored Noah and Echo in their book, Pushing the Limits and I’m happy to see that we’re getting more from them. Katie McGarry writes fantastic Contemporary YA and I have every faith that this will be a good addition to this series.
3. It’s Not Me, it’s You by Mhairi McFarlane.
An achingly funny story about how to be your own hero when life pulls the rug out from under your feet. From the author of the bestselling YOU HAD ME AT HELLO
Delia Moss isn’t quite sure where she went wrong.
When she proposed and discovered her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else – she thought it was her fault.
When she realised life would never be the same again – she thought it was her fault.
And when he wanted her back life nothing had changed – Delia started to wonder if perhaps she was not to blame…
From Newcastle to London and back again, with dodgy jobs, eccentric bosses and annoyingly handsome journalists thrown in, Delia must find out where her old self went – and if she can ever get her back.
Rowena: I’ve already read and enjoyed this one but you guys should definitely read it too because I’m learning that McFarLane knows how to write the hell out of a story. This was a good one.
4. Too Far Gone by Helenkay Dimon.
The Hanover brothers inherited quite a legacy from their con-artist father, including a secret they never imagined…
FBI Agent Walker Reeves came to Sweetwater, Oregon looking to settle a vendetta. His career is in shambles after years spent tracking down the Hanover brothers. He hopes to tie them to the schemes of their father Charlie—the same man who ruined Walker’s life. Unfortunately, Walker’s desire for revenge blinds him to the one chance at happiness he’ll ever get…
Even knowing that her friends would worry, art store-owner Mallory Able took a risk sleeping with Walker. She succumbed to his craving for control in the bedroom, but when reality got too tough for Walker, he bolted and left her in ruins. Now he’s returned. If Walker wants her back, he’s going to have to do some smooth talking both in and out the bedroom. And this time Mallory is in charge…
Includes a preview of No Turning Back.
Rowena: I adore Helenkay Dimon so of course this is going on my TBB list.
Holly: I love this series. I didn’t realize this was out in December.
5. Running Hot by Helenkay Dimon.
HelenKay Dimon kicks off her hot new romantic suspense series, Bad Boys Undercover, featuring the fierce men of Alliance—and the only women capable of taming their hearts.
Camped out at a resort bar in Fiji, CIA operative Ward Bennett may look like he’s on vacation but he’s really deep undercover, hunting a dictator on the run. Ward may be on the job, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for the sexy female bartender. That is, until she drugs him.
When Tasha Gregory discovers the hottie on the barstool isn’t who he pretends to be, her MI6 training kicks into gear, and she has no choice but to take him out. Problem is, Ward’s not an easy man to put down for long. More than once, his interference almost blows her surveillance operation—and her ability to keep her heart to herself.
As the situation heats up, these two must decide whether they can trust one another—and quick. Working together might just make everyone safer, but getting close enough for comfort … might just get them killed.
Rowena: I did mention that I adore Helenkay, right?
6. You’re so Fine by Kieran Kramer.
Lacey moved to Hollywood to make it big. What she got was an actor boyfriend who fathered a child with a woman who abandoned the baby. Lacy breaks up with the cheating boyfriend, but not before she adopts the baby, Henry, because his father has no interest in him.
Lacey takes a job assisting an actress, Monica, and gets another actor boyfriend who is set to work on a movie in South Carolina with Monica. Then her boss and boyfriend run off to Italy. Left with a new resolve to never date another actor, she moves into the South Carolina lighthouse she had rented for Monica.
However, her ex-boyfriend has sublet the lighthouse to an actor. They agree to share, and while Beau seems like everything Lacey has vowed to avoid, he may be just what she and Henry need…
Rowena: Kieran Kramer is an author that I’ve been meaning to try out for a long ass time. I have all of her historical books but have I read any of them? Nope. Now that she’s writing contemporary, I will probably finally get something by her read. This one sounds like a good one so I’m in.
7. The Nemesis Affair by Erin McCarthy.
Former rugby player Liam Kelly wants to keep his edge without losing his cool. The sexy Irishman needs someone to help him work out a little healthy aggression outside the office so he’ll avoid punching his difficult boss. He needs an adversary who will goad him, insult, and drive him. Someone to push his limits. What he needs is a professional nemesis. So when Sam responds to his online ad with plenty of cheek and smart-assedness, Liam knows he’s found the perfect guy. Except Sam isn’t a guy.
She’s Samantha Hess. Very much female, newly unemployed, and eager to turn up the volume on her ‘nice girl’ image. Goading Rugby Boy through texts and emails to run an extra mile each day is like therapy for assertiveness – and she’ll get paid. She just needs to convince Liam “Samantha” can get the job done just as well as “Sam”.
Samantha’s a smokin’ hot, sassy woman with a girl-next-door vibe who doesn’t have a problem challenging Liam mentally. But how can he take her seriously now, when all he can think about is convincing her that his next workout should be in her bed? And how will Sam keep her adversarial edge – and her heart – safe from the man who’s her perfect match?
Rowena: This one sounds like a fun story and I like McCarthy’s writing style so count me in on this goodness.
Holly: Rugby? Sign me up.
8. From Me to You by Elizabeth Eulberg.
Four months ago, Penny Lane Bloom was heartbroken over a guy, had only a small handful of close friends, and was sure that, somehow, this year was going to be different.
Four months later, everything has changed. Penny’s gone from a few friends to a huge group of girls who all have each other’s backs, from a guy who thought nothing of cheating to a total sweetheart, and from the idea for The Lonely Hearts Club to a full-scale girls-rock revolution. Just think how much more she’ll be able to accomplish by the end of the school year! And it’s the holidays, which means Penny has two blissful weeks to spend eating cheese fries with her girls and kissing Ryan. The only thing she still has to do…is survive Christmas with her family.
Rowena: I love Elizabeth Eulberg books. I also really liked The Brokenhearts Club so I’m geared up and ready to go for this one. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.
9. Razed by Shiloh Walker.
Tattoo artist Keelie Jessup can handle that someone else has claimed the man of her dreams. She’s just not pleased with her remaining options…
Keelie doesn’t believe in the “perfect man.” But the men who are worth the trouble are usually taken—like her business partner Zach Barnes. After a string of bad luck and the lost chance with Zach, Keelie decides that maybe flying solo—and living with suppressed desires—is the key to happiness.
As a photographer, Zane Barnes has an eye for the human form, and his eyes can’t get enough of Keelie’s curves. Unfortunately, Keelie is like most women—always fawning over his little brother, Zach. Zane is about ready to give up, but then a few stolen moments at his brother’s wedding have him thinking maybe there’s a chance there after all. Now he just has to prove that the perfect man does exist…for her.
Rowena: I really liked the first book in this series so I’m looking forward to this one. I didn’t care for the heroine in the first book but I’m sure that Walker will change my mind in this book. I can’t wait to dig in.
Holly: I wasn’t sure what to expect from Keelie after reading the first book, but I ended up really loving her and Zane.
10. Merry Christmas, Baby! by Jill Shalvis.
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis brings you a heartwarming tale that could only happen in Lucky Harbor . . .
SEASON’S KISSES
Wild child Chloe Thompson can’t believe how much things have changed. She still can’t get enough of her sexy husband Sawyer, but he seems to prefer working to thinking about impending fatherhood. So tonight, a very pregnant Chloe is escaping her troubles at the town Christmas party.
Sheriff Sawyer Thompson hopes surprising Chloe at the party will give him a chance to set things right. But as the snow begins to fall and the wind rages, he wonders whether he can make it back in time. While mother nature conspires to keep Sawyer and Chloe apart, an unexpected arrival will require them to kiss and make up . . . and ring in the happiest holiday Lucky Harbor has ever seen.
Rowena: Awww, something to keep the Lucky Harbor fires burning. Count me in!
Holly: I’m too sad the series is ending to read this. I’m going to hoard it for awhile.
11. Inspire by Cora Carmack.
Kalliope lives with one purpose.
To inspire.
As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.
Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.
Her presence may inspire genius.
But it breeds madness, too.
Rowena: I like Cora Carmack’s stuff. I adored her Losing It series and I’m really enjoying her Risk University series as well. This looks like something different but that’s okay, I’ll follow Cora Carmack to any genre. I’m so getting this one.
Holly: I’ve been craving PNR lately, so I think I’ll give this a try.
12. Say Yes to Marquess by Tessa Dare.
Your presence is requested at romantic Twill Castle for the wedding of Miss Clio Whitmore and . . . and . . . ?
After eight years of waiting for Piers Brandon, the wandering Marquess of Granville, to set a wedding date, Clio Whitmore has had enough. She’s inherited a castle, scraped together some pride, and made plans to break her engagement.
Not if Rafe Brandon can help it. A ruthless prizefighter and notorious rake, Rafe is determined that Clio will marry his brother—even if he has to plan the dratted wedding himself.
So how does a hardened fighter cure a reluctant bride’s cold feet?
● He starts with flowers. A wedding can’t have too many flowers. Or harps. Or cakes.● He lets her know she’ll make a beautiful, desirable bride—and tries not to picture her as his.
● He doesn’t kiss her.
● If he kisses her, he definitely doesn’t kiss her again.
● When all else fails, he puts her in a stunning gown. And vows not to be nearby when the gown comes off.
● And no matter what—he doesn’t fall in disastrous, hopeless love with the one woman he can never call his own.
Rowena: I read this book not too long ago and I really enjoyed it. Tessa Dare penned another fantastic romance that reminds me of the old school romances that used to get me in the feels. This was a good one, you guys should definitely buy it.
13. Wild and Free by Kristen Ashley.
Abel Jin and Delilah Johnson have lived their lives with a hole in their soul, yearning for something they don’t understand.
Until one night Delilah is in mortal danger and a man who’s otherworldly strong and supernaturally fast saves her. Delilah is then cast into a world where fiction comes to life in the form of Abel, her destined mate, a vampire/werewolf hybrid who claims her at first breath as his.
But Abel knows the danger isn’t done. He’s dreamed for centuries that his mate will perish and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
For Delilah, she’s not only coping with fantasy come to life, but a mingling of very different families. Not to mention, she has on her hands a man who doesn’t understand his true nature and has lived his long life thinking he’s a monster.
Abel and Delilah together fills the hole that has been clawing at them for decades. But finally finding each other, it also tips their destinies as the last of The Three. They must unite with the other destined lovers, who with Abel and Delilah, are fated to save the world.
Or die trying.
Rowena: A lot of my friends are obsessed with Kristen Ashley. I like her stuff but I’m not bat shit crazy over them. I’m not that into paranormal anymore but this one, it sounds good. I think I’m going to get it and check it out.
Holly: *raises hand* I’m one of the obsessed. Still, I’ve had trouble with Ashley’s PNR books in the past, so I’m going into this one cautiously.
14. Wolf’s Fall by J.D. Tyler.
A top secret team of wolf shifters, the Alpha Pack are former Navy SEALS that use their Psy powers to take on the world’s greatest predators. But while each member is loyal to the pack, it can be hard to deny the call of desire…
Still tormented by his recent captivity, Alpha Pack commander Nick Westfall isn’t sure he’s fit to lead—especially when he meets the one woman he can’t claim without reliving the torture he endured at the hands of a rogue vampire.
Vampire princess Calla Shaw has seen her own share of heartbreak, but she can tell that the wild attraction she and Nick feel for each other could turn into something significant—if only he’d let it. But Calla isn’t about to give up on her mate without a fight.
Time is running out, not only for Nick to claim his mate, but for Calla and her coven. A vampire war is on the horizon, one the Alpha Pack can’t hope to win if their leader can’t pull himself back from the abyss…
Holly: I love shifters. I read a couple books in this series awhile back. I’m looking forward to getting back into it.
15. Pleasure Games by Jessica Clare.
Glass artisan Juno Ashmore’s bank account has hit the skids lately. When she’s invited to mysterious Eden to film the reality TV show Pleasures of Eden, she’s not interested. Swanky island location? Billionaire bachelor? No thanks. But when she hears the contestant payment fee of fifty thousand dollars — just for showing up, Pleasures of Eden suddenly sounds more interesting. Screw the billionaire bachelor! Juno will take the contestant fee and have herself a nice beach vacation.
But the billionaire bachelor is none other than Heathcliff Forester, the sexy, arrogant man who broke her heart in college. And Heathcliff’s made it clear that he’s not interested in any girl but Juno. In fact, it’s looking more and more like he’s rigged the entire show just to bring her into his arms again. It should make Juno furious, but all she can think about is what it’d be like to spend her nights in Eden in his bed…
Holly: I really like Clare’s books. I’ve only read a couple books in this series, but I liked them and look forward to continuing.
16. Change the Game by Lucy Monroe.
In a high-stakes game of love, attraction, and desire, two people playing for all the wrong reasons are about to discover how delicious it can be when plans go deliciously awry and love is all that matters.
Like father, like daughter.
That’s what businessman Alex Trahern thinks about Isabel Harrison. If the prestigious headhunter thinks she can steal his top employee, just like her father stole his dad’s ideas, she’s dead wrong. Alex is always a man with a plan, and his plan is to get revenge on John Harrison through his daughter. But there’s no contingency plan for the impact Isabel’s sparkling green eyes and honey brown hair have on the decidedly non-business side of his brain…
If at first you don’t succeed, change the game.
After some relationship flameouts, Isabel’s decided to leave love out of it and approach her search for a husband like finding a suitable job candidate. And according to her list of requirements, Alex Trahern certainly has potential. He’s sexy. (Check.) Forceful and fascinating. (Check, check.) Also arrogant, obnoxious, and way too hot for her own good. (Erase. Start over.) Now, if only she could find out what he’s really after…
This book was originally published in print as Come Up and See Me Sometime, but has been freshly edited and several scenes originally cut have been re-included.
Holly: This is a reprint but it has new content, so I’m going to pick it up. I liked it the first time around, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy it again.
17. Blood Moon by Lisa Kessler.
One bite can change you.
And one kiss can change your destiny…Nadya Dalca has been handed a death sentence. She’s been bitten by the last living genetically enhanced werewolf―part of the Nero Organization’s disastrous Moonlight project. With the poisonous blood now coursing through her system and pushing her to the limits, it is only a matter of time before Nadya’s fate is sealed…
Gareth Takoda told himself he couldn’t get involved. Caught up in a maelstrom of grief and bitterness, he has been isolating himself from his Pack. But when he is charged with watching over Nadya’s first transformation―or bear witness should it go horribly wrong―Gareth is torn further by unwanted desire and the need to protect what is his.
One kiss changes everything. One shattering, all-consuming kiss. And with it, Nadya and Gareth face either salvation…or death.
Holly: I read one or two books in this series awhile back, but then I stopped reading PNR.
18. Make Me Lose Control by Christie Ridgway.
USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway returns to Blue Arrow Lake with the dazzling story of opposites attracting in the rustic mountains of California.
As live-in tutor to a headstrong teen, Shay Walker has her hands full—and the girl’s absentee father doesn’t help matters, either. All Shay wants is to let loose and indulge in a birthday fling with the hottest stranger who’s ever caught her eye. But her one-night stand turns out to be Jace Jennings, her student’s long-distance dad…and now he’s taking up residence—at his lakeside estate and in Shay’s most secret fantasies.
Jace isn’t exactly a family man, but he’s determined to do his best by his daughter—and the first step is forgetting how hot he is for her teacher. But close proximity and their heated connection keeps Shay at the forefront of his mind—even as it’s obvious she holds her heart in check. So does Jace. Until they both realize that losing control just might mean finding forever.
Holly: I love Ridgway. Her contemps have been long standing favorites.
19. Justified by Aurora Rose Reynolds.
After the first sighting, he’s fascinated.
After the first smile, he’s infatuated.
By the first kiss, he’s obsessed.
Nolan sees Chloe through a window of a bakery in downtown Manhattan. At first sight, something about her calls to a piece of him he thought was lost. Without thinking, he begins watching her, and when the moment presents itself, he strikes, claiming Chloe for himself. For a man who is used to getting what he wants Nolan wont let anyone or anything stand in his way.
Holly: I haven’t read this author before. The blurb is intriguing, but I wonder if it’s a paranormal? I hope so.
There you have it. The books that we’re looking forward to that release in December. What made your list? Did we miss anything good? Share!
I am looking forward to Larissa Ione’s Revenant – and Kylie Brants Eleven both due in December.