February, the month of books to love. There are so many awesome releases coming out. I can’t wait to dig in.
1. Night Study by Maria V. Snyder.
Ever since being kidnapped from the Illiais Jungle as a child, Yelena Zaltana’s life has been fraught with peril. But the recent loss of her Soulfinding abilities has endangered her more than ever before. As she desperately searches for a way to reclaim her magic, her enemies are closing in, and neither Ixia nor Sitia are safe for her anymore.
Holly: I absoloutely adored Snyder’s first trilogy featuring Yelena and Valek. I’m super excited to reconnect with them.
2. Thirty Nights with a Dirty Boy by Shiloh Walker.
Introducing Shiloh Walker’s erotic Thirty Nights with a Dirty Boy e-serial!
Money Can’t Buy Love…
Ella Cruise doesn’t like to be touched. A survivor of childhood abuse, she craves security in all aspects of her life: fulfilling work at the nonprofit she runs, more than enough money to live comfortably, and a good friend and confidant. But none of it can ease her longing for intimacy, even if just for a night. When she meets a gorgeous bartender who moonlights as a male prostitute, a bold idea begins to take shape…
But It Can Buy a Night of Passion —or Thirty…
Sean Lachlan is stunned by the cool beauty’s offer: 30 nights of no-strings sex in exchange for all the money he’d need to start over. The deal seems too good to be true, especially since his desire for her is no act, but Sean finds he can’t turn her down. Before they know it, Sean and Ella realize they’re in deep, their defenses crumbling. Will thirty nights with a dirty boy be enough after all, or will love lead Ella and Sean back to the negotiating table?
Read all three parts in Shiloh Walker’s scorching-hot Thirty Nights with a Dirty Boy e-serial!
Holly: I’m not crazy about serials, but I’m adding this to my TBR so I can read it when all the parts are out. On a side note, can I just tell you how freaking glad I am that it’s marked as a serial? I hate when I’m surprised with that.
3. Hunted by Darkness by Katie Reus.
From two different worlds…
Now that she’s escaped her oppressive family, Nyx is enjoying her new life and friends—even if most of her friends don’t know who or what she is. As a rare demigod, she’s just learning how powerful she truly is, but family drama turns her world upside down, throwing the one man she cares about into danger.
He wasn’t supposed to fall for her…
Nyx is nothing like the females half-demon Bo Broussard has been with. Sweet and innocent, she’s not even remotely his type. But the moment she walks into his bar, he knows he’s not letting her go. Unfortunately someone from her past thinks they can force her into an arranged marriage.
He’s not letting her go…
Someone is targeting one of them, and Bo doesn’t know why. When they’re thrown into a hell realm together, he and Nyx will need to band together if they want to survive the perils of that world. No matter who was behind the attack, his choice is clear. Defend Nyx at all cost and make her his forever.
Holly: Somehow I missed the previous release in this series, but I’m picking it up now so I can read this one as soon as it’s released.
4. Against the Wall by Jill Sorenson.
Fans of Katie McGarry, Simone Elkeles, and Tammara Webber will love Against the Wall! As teenagers, they fell for each other despite the odds. But now that Eric and Meghan are all grown up, they’re reunited by fierce passion and dangerous secrets.
Eric Hernandez is the bad boy of every schoolgirl’s fantasies—and every mother’s nightmares. But after serving time for manslaughter, he’s ready to turn his life around. He just needs a chance to prove himself as a professional tattoo artist. The one thing that keeps him going is the memory of the innocent beauty he loved and left behind.
Meghan Young’s world isn’t as perfect as it looks. The preacher’s daughter is living a lie, especially now that Eric is back. Tougher, harder, and sexier than ever, he might be the only person she can trust. But there’s no telling what he’ll do to protect her if he learns the truth, and that’s a risk Meghan won’t let him take. And yet, back in the arms of the troubled boy with the artist’s soul, Meghan can’t help surrendering to the man he’s become.
Holly: Reunited Lovers? Check. New Adult? Check. Jill Sorenson? Check. Come to mama.
Rowena: When I found out this book was coming out and that it was Eric and Meghan’s story? I was super excited. Don’t believe me? Check out this post where I got my fangirl on. Eric??? swoon I’m SO excited for this book!
5. Fully Ignited by Shannon Stacey.
When Jamie Rutherford takes a temporary assignment as lieutenant of Boston Fire’s Engine 59, she doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s been in the fire service for a long time and, even though she’s fairly new to Boston, she knows how to make any firehouse her home. What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to firefighter Scott Kincaid.
Scott is looking for a wife. It’s been a fun ride as a single guy, but he’s tired of being the third wheel, and nearly losing his brother-in-law finally made him realize just how much he wants a family of his own. When the new guy at the firehouse turns out to be a capable, confident and very attractive woman, his plan is completely derailed.
Hooking up with a fellow firefighter has never been part of Jamie’s plan, but she’s tempted by Scott—even though getting involved with him could tarnish the reputation she’s worked so hard for. And Scott can’t stop thinking about Jamie, despite the fact that she’s his superior and not sticking around. Chemistry can crush the best-laid plans, though, and while Jamie and Scott might not be each other’s future…there’s no resisting the right now.
Holly: My terrible reading slump means I’m behind in this series, but I’m going to push myself to read it this month.
Rowena: Scotty Kincaid’s book. Count me freaking in!
6. Midnight Revenge by Elle Kennedy.
From the USA Today bestselling author of Midnight Captive, the latest Killer Instincts novel is “off-the-charts-hot”* romantic suspense that takes readers into the heart of an enigmatic mercenary…
Out of all the stone-cold mercenaries in Jim Morgan’s black ops organization, Derek “D” Pratt is the most intimidating. He is tight-lipped and covered in tattoos, and even the other guys on his team are afraid to ask him about his past. D’s been off the grid for years, but after his teammate Sullivan is mistakenly captured in his place, D is forced to come out of hiding and face his demons.
When D lands in Mexico, he’s ready to risk everything to save his friend. To complicate matters, Sofia Amaro, a feisty doctor whom D had a one-night stand with months ago, has tracked him down. And in an instant she’s unintentionally caught up in his life-threatening rescue mission.
Now D must extract not one but two people from the most violent world he’s ever encountered. And one of them is carrying his child…
Holly: Rowena has been raving about this series. I have the whole thing in my TBR pile, but I’m especially intrigued by this one. Soon, my pretties. Soon.
Rowena: I have been waiting 6 books for this mysterious asshole dickhead to get his book and I’m beyond thrilled that it’s finally here. I love this series and I have a feeling that I’m going to love the hell out of D…even if he’s a silent asshole killer dude.
7. Unexpected Rush by Jaci Burton.
In the new Play-By-Play novel by the New York Times bestselling author of All Wound Up, a football hot shot and his best friend’s sister are breaking all the rules.
All the Right Moves
For Barrett Cassidy, playing defense for the Tampa Hawks is a dream come true. And now he may have discovered his dream woman. Harmony Evans, once the sweet, gawky teenage sister of his best friend and teammate has grown into a smart, gorgeous woman with moves he finds hard to resist. But he knows he can’t get involved with his best friend’s sister—it’s guy code.
Harmony has always gone after what she wants with single-minded determination, from her independence to her education to her career in social work. She never expected her youthful crush on Barrett to develop into something deeper. And she’s not about to let some ridiculous man rules or her brother stand in her way.
When the chemistry is this combustible, lines tend to get crossed. And when Barrett and Harmony’s secret gets out, it just might be game over…
Holly: I’m behind a ridiculous number of books in this series, but I keep buying them. I’m not ashamed to admit it’s mostly for the covers. It helps that I know Burton writes amazing stories, but really, it’s the covers.
Rowena: Every single time a new book comes out in this series, I swear that I’m going to get my ass in gear and get this series read and every single time, I lie. But seriously, one of these days I’m going to not lie to you guys cause the desire to read them is still there…I’m just easily distracted. I do want to read this book though.
8. Jockblocked by Jen Frederick.
She’s always played it safe…
College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?
He’s always played around…
Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.
Holly: This is another series I’m behind on. I still have book one in my TBR, but Rowena loved it enough I know I will too.
Rowena: This series is the bomb you guys. I read and adored Sacked last year and Jen Frederick has done it again. She writes my favorite kind of romances and Matty and Luce’s story was another winner. You guys will not be disappointed, I promise!
9. Brotherhood in Death by J.D. Robb.
Sometimes brotherhood can be another word for conspiracy…
Dennis Mira just had two unpleasant surprises. First he learned that his cousin Edward was secretly meeting with a real estate agent about their late grandfather’s magnificent West Village brownstone, despite the promise they both made to keep it in the family. Then, when he went to the house to confront Edward about it, he got a blunt object to the back of the head.
Luckily Dennis is married to Charlotte Mira, the NYPSD’s top profiler and a good friend of Lieutenant Eve Dallas. When the two arrive on the scene, he explains that the last thing he saw was Edward in a chair, bruised and bloody. When he came to, his cousin was gone. With the mess cleaned up and the security disks removed, there’s nothing left behind but a few traces for forensics to analyze.
As a former lawyer, judge, and senator, Edward Mira mingled with the elite and crossed paths with criminals, making enemies on a regular basis. Like so many politicians, he also made some very close friends behind closed—and locked—doors. But a badge and a billionaire husband can get you into places others can’t go, and Eve intends to shine some light on the dirty deals and dark motives behind the disappearance of a powerful man, the family discord over a multimillion-dollar piece of real estate . . . and a new case that no one saw coming.
Holly: Mr. Mira! Do I even need to say anything else?
10. The Friends We Keep by Susan Mallery.
In this insightful and compelling story from book club favorite Susan Mallery, three close friends test the boundaries of how much a woman can give before she has nothing left
After five years as a stay-at-home mom, Gabby Schaefer can’t wait to return to work. Oh, to use the bathroom in peace! No twins clamoring at the door, no husband barging in, no stepdaughter throwing a tantrum. But when her plans are derailed by some shocking news and her husband’s crushing expectations, Gabby must fight for the right to have a life of her own.
Getting pregnant is easy for Hayley Batchelor. Staying pregnant is the hard part. Her husband is worried about the expensive fertility treatments and frantic about the threat to her health. But to Hayley, a woman who was born to be a mom should risk everything to fulfill her destiny—no matter how high the cost.
Nicole Lord is still shell-shocked by a divorce that wasn’t as painful as it should’ve been. Other than the son they share, her ex-husband left barely a ripple in her life. A great new guy tempts her to believe maybe the second time’s the charm…but how can she trust herself to recognize true love?
As their bonds of friendship deepen against the beautiful backdrop of Mischief Bay, Gabby, Hayley and Nicole will rely on good food, good wine and especially each other to navigate life’s toughest changes.
Holly: I burned out on the Fool’s Gold series awhile back and stopped reading Mallery, but I’m interested in this new series.
Rowena: Like Holly, I burned out on the Fool’s Gold series and like Holly again, I stopped reading Mallery but this book sounds good. It’s got my interest so I’m definitely in for reading this one.
11. Break My Fall by Jessica Scott.
Violence.
I’m addicted to it. It’s how I feel alive. It’s the only thing that’s real any more.
And now I have to sit around and discuss it like it’s physics or calculus.
I can’t do it. I can’t pretend that it’s some sterile academic topic.
Violence isn’t sterile. It isn’t calm. It’s pulsing. It’s alive.
It’s my drug.
Until I met Abby, I never wanted anything beyond the next fight. Never considered that I might finally find a way back to the land of the living.
Now? Now I find myself dreaming of a woman with golden eyes.
But I can never be with her. Because I am not whole. And I never will be again.
But I cannot stay away. And loving her might finally be what breaks me.
Holly: I love Jessica Scott. Her books are always gritty and real, yet leave me feeling satisfied and whole (except that one that ripped my guts out and left me for dead…but let’s not talk about that). I’m so excited for this New Adult series.
Rowena: It’s been a long time since I’ve read anything by Jessica Scott but I love military men and her military men are dangerous and are dealing with real life military problems and I dig that. I just finished reading the first book in this series to prepare myself for this book. It was good and I can’t wait to dig into Josh and Abby’s story. They are perfect for each other! I’ve been a fan of Josh’s ever since he was there for Noah but more so when he lights into Beth over Noah. swoon I heart this guy and can’t wait to read this book.
12. Back in the Saddle by Karen Templeton.
A SECOND CHANCE IN THE SADDLE
All widowed veterinarian Zach Talbot wants is to raise his two boys in the peace and quiet of his New Mexico town. Who’d have thought that being roped into helping a woman choose a horse for her son would upend the single father’s whole world?
Except ex-actress and rodeo rider Mallory Keyes isn’t just any woman.
With its wide-open spaces and sky that goes on forever, Whispering Pines is the ideal temporary haven after the accident that changed Mallory’s life forever. Falling for the sexy, caring man who found the perfect palomino for her eleven-year-old wasn’t in her short- or long-term plans. Zach’s also determined to get Mallory back in the saddle. Can she return the favor by helping to heal the still-grieving vet’s heart?
Holly: I really liked the previous book in this series and I’m anxious for Zach’s story. It doesn’t hurt that I’m a sucker for the single dad stories.
13. I Wish You Were Mine (Oxford #2) by Lauren Layne.
Perfect for fans of Alice Clayton and Emma Chase, Lauren Layne’s Oxford series heats up in this story of forbidden desire as a brooding jock hoping for a comeback falls for a woman who’s strictly off-limits.
A year ago, Jackson Burke was married to the love of his life and playing quarterback for the Texas Redhawks. Now he’s retired, courtesy of the car accident that ruined his career—and single, after a nasty scandal torpedoed his marriage. Just as he’s starting to get used to his new life as a health and fitness columnist for Oxford magazine, his unpredictable ex shows up on his doorstep in Manhattan. Jackson should be thrilled. But he can’t stop thinking about the one person who’s always been there for him, the one girl he could never have: her younger sister.
Mollie Carrington can’t say no to Madison. After all, her older sister practically raised her. So when Madison begs for help in winning her ex-husband back, Mollie’s just glad she got over her own crush on Jackson ages ago—or so she thought. Because as Mollie reconnects with Jackson, she quickly forgets all her reasons to stay loyal to her sister. Tempted by Jackson’s mellow drawl and cowboy good looks, Mollie is sick and tired of coming in second place. But she can’t win if she doesn’t play the game.
Rowena: Ames brought this series to my attention and I’ve got to say that it sounds mighty interesting. I’ve got the first book to read in my TBR pile and since Ames enjoyed that one, I know that I’m going to as well so this book has been placed on my wish list. I want it!
14. A Fighting Chance by Shannon Stacey.
All work and no play makes Adeline Kendrick a dull girl, so when she heads to a casino resort for a friend’s bachelorette weekend, she’s ready to have a good time. Until she runs into Brendan Quinn, professional fighter and the one who got away—the one her family drove away—and things take a turn for the interesting.
Running into his ex won’t shake Brendan. Even if it brings up the old pain of loving her when she was only slumming. Even if she looks really good. In fact, what better way to get over the past than to take advantage of the still-sizzling chemistry running hot between them? He’s there to win an MMA fight, but he won’t say no to a little physical relief of a different kind.
But when the weekend is over, Adeline isn’t ready to give up her second chance that easily. Brendan is still the one for her, no matter what her family thinks. Now, if only she can convince him of that…
Rowena: Ooh, this one sounds like a good one. I don’t read very many MMA heroes but I love second chance love stories so count me in!
15. The Bride Wore Starlight by Lizbeth Selvig.
Once comfortable on stage in front of thousands, Joely Crockett is now mortified at the thought of walking—or rolling—down the aisle at her sisters’ wedding. Scarred and wheelchair-bound, the former beauty queen has lost more than the ability to walk—she’s lost her fire. But when one handsome, arrogant guest accuses her of milking her injuries and ignites her ire, Joely finally starts to feel truly alive again, and soon it’s impossible for her to resist her heart’s desire.
Alec Morrissey knows a little something about loss. A famous rodeo cowboy before he was injured in Iraq, he’s managed to create something of a normal life, even if it’s not the one he always imagined. Encountering stunning but damaged Joely, he sees a kindred spirit who can learn from his mistakes.
As these two healing souls begin to fall in love under the Wyoming stars, they must discover if they are willing to give in to the tragedies of life or fight for a future together.
Rowena: I haven’t read anything by this author but the blurb for this book sounds really good. I’m interested.
There you have it. The books that we are looking forward to in February 2016. What books made your wish lists?
Ooh ~ lots of good choices here and several are ones that I’m eager to read. I’m also looking forward to reading the newest book by Mariana Zapata: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me.