Books to Binge On: October 2014

Holly: Another month, another bunch of books to make our bank accounts weep. You’re welcome? (R: HA!)

1. Rowdy (Marked Men, Book 5) by Jay Crownover.

After the only girl he ever loved told him he would never be enough, Rowdy St. James knocked the Texas dust off his boots and decided he was going to do everything in his power to live up to his nickname. Life was all about a good time, good friends and never taking much too seriously. Rowdy learned his lesson early on, when you care that much about anything it can destroy you, and he never wants to risk feeling like that again. Only now he has a new coworker, a ghost from the past who’s making him question every lesson he ever learned.

Salem Cruz grew up in a house with too many rules, too many regulations, and no fun allowed. That never worked for her so she left it all behind as soon as she could, but she never forgot the sweet, blue-eyed boy next door who’d been in love with her little sister. Fate and good intentions from an old friend have placed her right in Rowdy’s path and she’s determined to show him he picked the wrong sister all those years ago. A mission that is going along perfectly until the one person that ties them together shows up and could very well tear them back.

Holly: I’m a couple books behind in this series, but I really enjoyed the early books and have high hopes for this one.

2. Echoes of Scotland Street (On Dublin Street, Book 5) by Samantha Young.

Shannon MacLeod has always gone for the wrong type of man. After she drifted from one toxic relationship to the next, her last boyfriend gave her a wakeup call in the worst possible way. With her world shattered, she’s sworn off men—especially those of the bad-boy variety.

Cole Walker is exactly the sort that Shannon wants to avoid—gorgeous, tattooed, charming, and cocky. But his rough exterior hides a good man who’s ready to find “the one.” He’s determined to pull Shannon from her self-imposed solitude and win her heart.

As Shannon opens up in the face of Cole’s steady devotion, the passion between them ignites to blazing levels. But when Shannon’s past comes back to haunt her, her fears may destroy the trust Cole has built between them—and tear them apart for good…

Holly: This is the much anticipated story of Cole, Jo’s younger brother from Down London Road. I was a bit nervous going in, but I ended up loving the book. Cole is everything I expected him to be and Shannon was the perfect counterpart for him.

Rowena: I have been waiting for Cole’s book since I found out he was getting one (and was hoping for one before then) so the first chance I got, I jumped on this one. I adore this series and thought that Young did a fantastic job of bringing Cole to life in his own book and I really loved this one. You guys should definitely be binging on this book in October.

3. Archangel’s Shadows (Guild Hunter, Book 7) by Nalini Singh.

Return to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s sensual and painfully beautiful Guild Hunter world in her new novel of sacrifice, loyalty, and the choices of love that can shatter the heart.

In the wake of a brutal war, the archangel Raphael and his hunter consort, Elena, are dealing with the treacherously shifting tides of archangelic politics and the people of a battered but not broken city. The last thing their city needs is more death, especially a death that bears the eerie signature of an insane enemy archangel who cannot— should not—be walking the streets. This hunt must be undertaken with stealth and without alerting their people. It must be handled by those who can become shadows themselves…

Ash is a gifted tracker and a woman cursed with the ability to sense the secrets of anyone she touches. But there’s one man she knows all too well without a single instant of skin contact: Janvier, the dangerously sexy Cajun vampire who has fascinated and infuriated her for years. Now, as they track down a merciless killer, their cat-and-mouse game of flirtation and provocation has turned into a profound one of the heart. And this time, it is Ash’s secret, dark and terrible, that threatens to destroy them both.

Holly: I don’t really read Singh’s Psy-Changeling series, but I adore these books. This was another great entry to the series. Ash and Janvier were wonderful. Plus, we got to see more from Dmitri, Elena and Raphael. Good stuff.

4. All Broke Down (Rusk University, Book 2) by Cora Carmack.

In this second book in “New York Times” and “USA Today” bestselling author Cora Carmack’s New Adult, Texas-set Rusk University series, which began with “All Lined Up,” a young woman discovers that you can t only fight for what you believe in sometimes you have to fight for what you love.

Dylan fights for lost causes. Probably because she used to be one. Environmental issues, civil rights, corrupt corporations, and politicians you name it, she s probably been involved in a protest. When her latest cause lands her in jail overnight, she meets Silas Moore. He s in for a different kind of fighting. And though he s arrogant and infuriating, she can t help being fascinated with him. Yet another lost cause.

Football and trouble are the only things that have ever come naturally to Silas. And it s trouble that lands him in a cell next to do-gooder Dylan. He s met girls like her before fixers, he calls them, desperate to heal the damage and make him into their ideal boyfriend. But he doesn t think he s broken, and he definitely doesn t need a girlfriend trying to change him. Until, that is, his anger issues and rash decisions threaten the only thing he really cares about: his spot on the Rusk University football team. Dylan might just be the perfect girl to help.

Because Silas Moore needs some fixing after all.

Holly: I didn’t read book one, All Lined Up, but I heard good things about it and I really liked Cormack’s first NA series. I’ll be picking this one up.

Rowena: I read and really enjoyed the first book in this series and while I didn’t like Silas all that much when we first meet him, in the end, I didn’t hate him.  Though I will say that when I found out that Silas was the hero in this book, my initial thought was, “Ugh, really?” Anyone else in this series to feature in the next book and it had to be him? But then I shut myself up because it’s Cora Carmack, she can make me fall in love with the spider outside my window. And I hate spiders so I’m definitely going to read this book.

5. One in a Million (Lucky Harbor, Book 12) by Jill Shalvis.

As the brains behind wedding site TyingTheKnot.com, Callie sees it all: from the ring to the dress, the smiles . . . to the tears. It’s that last part that keeps her single and not looking. Getting left at the altar will do that to a girl. But when Callie returns to her old hometown, she finds that her sweet high school crush is sexier than ever. And he makes it hard to remember why she’s sworn off love . . .

Tanner is a deep-sea diver with a wild, adrenaline-junkie past—and now his teenage son is back in his life. How can Tanner be a role model when he’s still paying for his own mistakes? It’s hard enough that gorgeous Callie has appeared in town like a beautiful dream, challenging his best-laid plans to keep his heart on lockdown. Though there’s something about being around her again that makes him feel like he can be the man she—and his son—deserve. Little Lucky Harbor holds their past; can it hold a beautiful new future?

Holly: Here it is, the last Lucky Harbor book (for now). I’m really sad to see the series come to an end. I’ve really enjoyed my time getting to know the residents of Lucky Harbor. I’m definitely buying this one, but I may wait just a bit to read it. I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye yet.

Rowena: Like Holly, I’m sad to see this series go away, even if it’s just for now. I really like this series. I loved meeting all of the new people in the small town and I really just like the stories Shalvis gave to us for the people of Lucky Harbor. I don’t think there was a book in this series that I hated and though I’m really looking forward to pimping Tanner out, I’m still really sad to not get my yearly Lucky Harbor fix. But still, this was an enjoyable book and it ended the series on a high note. I definitely recommend this one, especially because Tanner is one sexy mother shut your mouth. 🙂

6. Rules for a Proper Governess (MacKenzie’s and McBride’s, Book 7) by Jennifer Ashley.

To Kiss A Thief…

Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most sinister criminals in London – but the widower’s two unruly children are a different matter.

Little Caitlin and Andrew go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing in tears.

Roberta “Bertie” Frasier enters Sinclair’s life by stealing his watch – and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children from a dangerous situation and returns them to their father.

Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair asks the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing that the unconventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in love.

Holly: Ashley is one of the few authors I read who writes across multiple genres. I really like her paranormals, and her historical Mackenzie series is awesome. I always look forward to a new release.

7. Darling Beast (Maiden Lane, Book 7) by Elizabeth Hoyt.

A MAN CONDEMNED . . .

Falsely accused of murder and mute from a near-fatal beating, Apollo Greaves, Viscount Kilbourne has escaped from Bedlam. With the Crown’s soldiers at his heels, he finds refuge in the ruins of a pleasure garden, toiling as a simple gardener. But when a vivacious young woman moves in, he’s quickly driven to distraction . . .

A DESPERATE WOMAN . . .

London’s premier actress, Lily Stump, is down on her luck when she’s forced to move into a scorched theatre with her maid and small son. But she and her tiny family aren’t the only inhabitants—a silent, hulking beast of a man also calls the charred ruins home. Yet when she catches him reading her plays, Lily realizes there’s more to this man than meets the eye.

OUT OF ASH, DESIRE FLARES

Though scorching passion draws them together, Apollo knows that Lily is keeping secrets. When his past catches up with him, he’s forced to make a choice: his love for Lily . . . or the explosive truth that will set him free.

Holly: Hoyt is another historical author I love. Her books are always just a bit dark and gritty, and very entertaining. I’m stockpiling this series so I can binge-read them once I’m over my historical slump.

8. Whatever Life Throws at You by Julie Cross.

Life loves a good curveball…

Seventeen-year-old Annie Lucas’s life is completely upended the moment her dad returns to the major leagues as the new pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals. Now she’s living in Missouri (too cold), attending an all-girls school (no boys), and navigating the strange world of professional sports. But Annie has dreams of her own—most of which involve placing first at every track meet…and one starring the Royals’ super-hot rookie pitcher.

But nineteen-year-old Jason Brody is completely, utterly, and totally off-limits. Besides, her dad would kill them both several times over. Not to mention Brody has something of a past, and his fan club is filled with C-cupped models, not smart-mouthed high school “brats” who can run the pants off every player on the team. Annie has enough on her plate without taking their friendship to the next level. The last thing she should be doing is falling in love.

But baseball isn’t just a game. It’s life. And sometimes, it can break your heart…

Holly: I don’t generally read YA, but I’m kind of intrigued by this one. I’ll let Rowena read it first and tell me if it’s something I’d like. 🙂

Rowena: I haven’t read anything by Julie Cross but I’ve heard really good things about her stuff so I’m really, really looking forward to reading this one. It sounds like such a cute story and I’m all about the cute.

9. Promise Me This (Between Breaths, Book 4) by Christina Lee.

A new love will test the boundaries of passion between a privileged boy next door and the tattooed, blue-haired girl who helps him embrace his wild side…

Nate has developed quite a playboy reputation around campus. It’s not that he doesn’t respect or trust women; he doesn’t trust himself. The men in Nate’s family are prone to abusive behavior—a dirty secret that Nate’s been running from his entire life—so Nate doesn’t do relationships. But he can’t help himself around one girl…

Jessie is strong, independent, and works at a tattoo parlor. Nate can’t resist getting close to her, even if it’s strictly a friendship. But it doesn’t take long for Nate to admit that what he wants with Jessie is more than just friendly.

With Jessie, he can be himself and explore what he’s always felt was a terrifying darkness inside him. Even when Nate begins to crave her in a way that both shocks and horrifies him, Jessie still wants to know every part of him. Testing their boundaries together will take a trust that could render them inseparable… or tear them apart.

Holly: Lee is an auto-buy author for me. This series is fabulous. I was excited to read about Nate and I’m happy to report I wasn’t disappointed. He’s amazingly sexy, and just a bit repressed. Jessie was the perfect heroine for him. If you haven’t read this series yet, you really must.

Rowena: Lee is an auto-buy author for me as well. I sinceriously (haha, oh Captain Amell) love this author and this series. Hell, I even loved this book. Nate is everything that I thought he was going to be and I loved the hell out of him. Jessie was a great heroine as well so I definitely recommend this book. Each and every single one of you lovely readers should definitely binge on this book in October. 🙂

10. Final Lap (Fast Track, book 8) by Erin McCarthy.

Switching into high gear……

At a friend’s lavish wedding, Harley McLain and her twin sister, Charity, meet sexy stock-car driver Cooper Brickman. The more reserved Harley is immediately smitten—until he hits on her twin. But Harley has had enough of being the “nice” girl, and after trading dresses with Charity, she seduces Cooper for a night of wild sex.

……ready for a hot lap.

What was supposed to be a one-night fling gets complicated when Cooper needs a nanny to look after his kid sister—and is convinced sweet, dependable Harley would be perfect for the job. She can’t resist the money—or Cooper’s hot bod. But when her deception is revealed, will it destroy her dependable image—or will he finally realize how sexy sweet can be?

Holly: I’m a few books behind in this series. I’m adding this to the “when I get to it” list.

11. The Sweetness of Honey (Hope Springs, Book 3) by Alison Kent.

Welcome to Hope Springs, Texas, where redemption grows…and where love blooms.

Dark-haired beauty Indiana Keller buys a property in Hope Springs, Texas, for three reasons: to expand her vegetable business, to harvest and sell delicious honey from the property’s established bee colony, and to reunite with her estranged siblings. But her older brother Tennessee keeps his distance, even after Indiana hires his construction crew to fix up her cottage. It’s almost as if he shares her guilt over the disappearance of Dakota, their missing brother…

While Indiana tries to reconnect with Ten and find Dakota, two local men begin vying for her heart. Handsome, laid-back Will Bowman has a checkered past, but now he’s determined to get what he wants out of life…and he wants Indiana. Meanwhile, refined Oliver Gatlin can’t fight his own attraction to Indiana, especially since his brother also fell victim to tragic circumstances. Amid the raw natural beauty of Hope Springs, can Indiana’s broken heart finally heal enough to love?

Holly: Small Texas Town + Alison Kent = WIN!

12. Rocky Mountain Romance (Six Pack Ranch, Book 7) by Vivian Arend.

Second chances are the sweetest—and the filthiest.

It took a spectacularly embarrassing break-up to knock Steve Moonshine Coleman off his lazy butt. In the ten months since that night, he’s changed his ways, and now that Melody’s back in town, it’s time for this sweet-talking cowboy to convince her to get back in the saddle with him.

A return to her veterinary position in Rocky Mountain House was always in the cards for Melody Langley. Getting back together with Steve? Never part of the plan. He had lots of potential but zero ambition, and there’s no way she’ll accept anything less than a man who can keep up with her, in and out of bed.

But the new-and-improved cowboy is impossible to resist, so Melody issues a challenge. Three months to prove he’s reformed. Three months of Steve orchestrating one sexual indulgence after another—wicked distractions from the old boys’ club Melody faces at work and Steve’s growing responsibilities.

He’s got one shot to prove with more than words what’s in his heart and soul.

Holly:  I love this series. I’m super excited for Steve and Melody’s story. Reunited lovers! Yay!

13. Loving Him Off the Field (Santa Fe Bobcats, Book 2) by Jeanette Murray.

Sometimes the best defense is a good offense…

Aileen is a sports reporter trying to make a name for herself without relying on her looks, And what better way to do that than to break a scandal about one of the fastest rising stars on the Santa Fe Bobcats? Killian seems too good to be true, so she knows he must be hiding something…

It’s hard enough breaking into the NFL—even more so when you’re a single dad. Killian isn’t proud that he’s keeping his son a secret, but his ex has a reputation that could tarnish his squeaky clean image for good. So when Aileen starts sniffing around, Killian decides to distract her by any means necessary. But Aileen is more than capable of giving as good as she gets…

Holly: I had mixed feelings about Book 1, One Night with a Quaterback, but I’m curious about Aileen and Killian.

14. If He’s Daring (Wherelocke, Book 6) by Hannah Howell.

In a dazzling new novel in the Wherlocke family saga, New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell creates an unforgettable story of intrigue, jeopardy, and desire. . .

Stealing a stranger’s carriage is the second most reckless thing Lady Catrin Gryffin de Warrene has ever done. The first is succumbing to her powerful attraction to the carriage’s owner. Catrin has heard the rumors about Sir Orion Wherlocke’s family and their otherworldly gifts. He’s the one person who can keep her son and his inheritance safe from her late husband’s ruthless brother. As for how to protect herself. . .it may be too late for that.

Orion is facing the worst danger a man of his ilk can find: a woman he can’t walk away from. Catrin is an intoxicating blend of innocence and sensuality, and for the first time, seduction is far more than a game. But her beauty and fortune have made her a target–one that will dare him to risk everything he’s known–in pursuit of everything he’s ever longed for…

Holly: Thanks to Tracy, I’ve recently renewed my love affair with Howell. I’d taken a break from her historicals since they were beginning to all run together. I’m excited to dig into this new book.

15. Only by HelenKay Dimon.

He’s a man who fixes difficult situations. She’s the one thing he can’t handle—and the one thing he can’t resist…

ONLY

Sebastian Jameson negotiates for high-end clients who need problems taken care of quickly and discreetly. Accustomed to being in control, he’s still reeling from his ex-wife’s decision to write a tell-all about their private life, one that highlighted their bedroom activities. The fallout left Bast’s love life in chaos, making him a magnet for women who thrive on risky fantasies, and a pariah to all others.

Kyra Royer knows all about Bast’s reputation—and is intrigued enough to try to change him into a one-woman guy. But getting him into her bed will be a challenge. He’s known her brother for years, and her brother, with his rough past and sniper abilities, is not a man you cross. Kyra knows Bast thinks she’s off-limits, so she’ll have to get creative to make him hers.

As Kyra turns up the heat, Bast struggles to resist the sexy young woman’s considerable charms. But when Bast’s job turns from tricky to deadly, keeping Kyra nearby might be the only way to keep her alive—even if it means getting closer than he ever intended…

Holly: Sister + Brother’s Best Friend by HKD? Oh yeah, sign me up.

Rowena: Hmm, yes.  I want to read this one, that blurb sounds like it’ll be a great read and how can you resist the sister and brother’s best friend story?

16. Riding Dirty (Dirty Eleven, Book 1) by Jill Sorenson.

He’s her weapon of choice…

Psychologist Mia Richards wants revenge. Her new client, tattooed Cole “Shank” Shepherd, provides the perfect means. She just has to manipulate the felon-turned-informant into eliminating her husband’s killers—members of Cole’s rival motorcycle club. The first step, seducing Cole, is simple. As for walking away before she falls hard—it’s already too late….

Dirty Eleven practically raised Cole, and he plans to double-cross the cops rather than sell them out. But smart, sexy Mia is an irresistible distraction. While she’s evaluating his mind, all he can think about is her body…until he discovers her true intentions. Walking a fine line between desire and betrayal, they’ll have to outrun her past, his enemies and the law for a love that’s dangerously real.

Holly: I’m a complete Sons of Anarchy junkie. When I heard JS was writing a dirty motorcycle club series I admit I got really excited. I’m not always a fan of the revenge plot, but I have faith in Sorenson.

Rowena: I’m not a fan of the revenge plot either but Jill Sorenson is one of those authors that I will try anything by. I liked the last book that I read by her and this is the start of an MC series? My SOA loving heart is thrilled and looking forward to reading this one.

17. A Place Called Harmony by Jodi Thomas.

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas has captivated America with her novels set in the small town of Harmony, Texas. Now she tells the story of the three hard-luck men who first settled the town, a place where last chances and long-awaited dreams collide…

Desperate to escape his overbearing father, Patrick McAllen disappears with his bride, heading north to build a new town—discovering strength, honor and true love along the way.

After drinking away the grief from his family’s death, Clint Truman avoids jail by taking a job in North Texas and settling down with a woman he vows to protect but never love—until her quiet compassion slowly breaks his hardened heart wide open…

All Gillian Matheson has ever known is Army life, leaving his true love to be a part-time spouse. But when a wounded Gillian returns home to find her desperately fighting to save their marriage, he’s determined to become the husband she deserves.
Amidst storms, outlaws, and unwelcome relatives, the three couples band together to build a town—and form a bond that breathes life into the place that will forever be called Harmony

Holly: This is a prequel of sorts to Thomas’ contemporary Harmony Series. I’m not a huge fan of Westerns, but I’m willing to give it a try.

18. Treasure on Lilac Lane (Jewell Cove, Book 2) by Donna Alward.

Sometimes the journey home is its own reward.

Once upon a time, Rick Sullivan had a promising future. One of Jewell Cove’s star athletes and reigning heartthrobs, he joined the Marines and had the world in the palm of his hand…until it all came crashing down. His honorable discharge doesn’t make him the hometown hero everyone wants him to be, and there’s little reprieve from the demons that haunt him at night. Still, even though it seems that all hope is gone, fate has something else in store…

Just hearing Rick’s name is enough to give Jess Collins a headache. Years ago, they’d been close. Now she barely knows the man Rick has become since his return from service…then again, Jess isn’t that same young, naïve girl anymore either. And while there’s a powerful attraction between them—one that yields a greater passion than Jess could have ever imagined—both are wary about opening their hearts to love…and loss. But happy endings don’t come easily when long-buried secrets insist on rising to the surface. Will their pasts tear them apart—or can love find a way to heal them both?

Holly: I still have book 1 in my TBR pile, but I know Alward always delivers a good story, so I’ll be buying this one anyway.

19. Even in Paradise by Chelsey Philpot.

When Julia Buchanan enrolls at St. Anne’s at the beginning of junior year, Charlotte Ryder already knows all about the former senator’s daughter. Most people do… or think they do.

Charlotte certainly never expects she’ll be Julia’s friend. But almost immediately, she is drawn into the larger than-life-new girl’s world—a world of midnight rendezvous, dazzling parties, palatial vacation homes, and fizzy champagne cocktails. And then Charlotte meets, and begins falling for, Julia’s handsome older brother, Sebastian.

But behind her self-assured smiles and toasts to the future, Charlotte soon realizes that Julia is still suffering from a tragedy. A tragedy that the Buchanan family has kept hidden … until now.

Rowena: I’m not sure why I’m always drawn to these kinds of stories, but I am. I am always curious about reading about people leading glamorous lives, even though I usually end up hating the characters…but I have a feeling this book is going to be different and I want to read it.

20. Love and Other Unknown Variables by Shannon Alexander.

Charlie Hanson has a clear vision of his future. A senior at Brighton School of Mathematics and Science, he knows he’ll graduate, go to MIT, and inevitably discover solutions to the universe’s greatest unanswered questions. He’s that smart. But Charlie’s future blurs the moment he reaches out to touch the tattoo on a beautiful girl’s neck.

The future has never seemed very kind to Charlotte Finch, so she’s counting on the present. She’s not impressed by the strange boy at the donut shop—until she learns he’s a student at Brighton where her sister has just taken a job as the English teacher. With her encouragement, Charlie orchestrates the most effective prank campaign in Brighton history. But, in doing so, he puts his own future in jeopardy.

Rowena: This book sounds like all kinds of cuteness wrapped up in a book. Nerd boy falls for the girl without a plan? Yep, sign me up.

21. Night Sky by Melanie and Suzanne Brockmann.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann and her daughter Melanie Brockmann have written a pulse-pounding novel of paranormal suspense set in a near future both fantastic and frightening. “Original and exciting, NIGHT SKY propels readers into a dangerous future. Loved it.” —Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made For You and the Wicked Lovely series

Skylar Reid is shaken when Sasha, the little girl she babysits, is kidnapped. Scared that the weird dreams she’s been having about Sasha are real-and even more afraid that Sasha is already dead. When a mysterious girl with extreme butt-kicking abilities roars into town on a motorcycle and, well, stalks Skylar things get even weirder. Supergirl Dana tells Sky that she also has abilities — that a hormone in their blood makes them stronger, faster, smarter. A hormone that the makers of a new drug called Destiny will murder to get their hands on.

Dana and Milo, her dangerously hot yet oh-so-forbidden partner in crime, want Sky to join them in their mission — to mold Sky into the ultimate weapon. She can sense there’s something about her abilities they’re not telling her. But the only way to save Sasha and stop other girls from being taken is to embrace the weird…and fight Destiny.

Rowena: It’s Suz Brockmann…of course I’m going to read this.

22. My True Love Gave to Me Anthology with stories by Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Gayle Forman, Rainbow Rowell, etc…

f you love holiday stories, holiday movies, made-for-TV-holiday specials, holiday episodes of your favorite sitcoms and, especially, if you love holiday anthologies, you’re going to fall in love with My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by twelve bestselling young adult writers (Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de La Peña, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly Link, Myra McEntire, Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, Laini Tayler and Kiersten White), edited by the international bestselling Stephanie Perkins. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, Winter Solstice or Kwanzaa, there’s something here for everyone. So curl up by the fireplace and get cozy. You have twelve reasons this season to stay indoors and fall in love.

Rowena: Lots of all star YA talent in one book. Stephanie Perkins, Gayle Forman and Rainbow Rowell together in one book? Of course I’m reading it.

23. Get Happy by Mary Amato.

In this poignant, realistic, contemporary YA by a state master list star, perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman, a young songwriter builds a substitute family with her friends in place of the broken family she grew up with.

Minerva has been raised by her single mother after her father left them both. On her 17th birthday, she is shocked to discover that he has been trying to keep in touch, but her mother has been sabotaging his attempts. Furious at her mom, she begins to investigate her dad, a famous marine biologist, only to discover that he has a new family, including a beloved, and perfect, stepdaughter—a girl Minerva already knows and despises. As she makes her way, trying to build her performing and songwriting career, her jealousy takes over and threatens to derail her life completely. It is only through the efforts of her best friend, Fin, and the introduction of Hayes, a new young man in her life, that she is able to see clearly who she is and who makes up her family.

Rowena: Ooh, jealousy over a long lost Dad and his new family? Yes, this sounds like a good one. I hope it’s as good as I’m hoping because the jealousy can totally ruin a book for me but if it’s written well than I can end up loving it…and I’m hopeful that I’ll come away liking this book so yeah, I’m reading it.

And there you have it…the books that we’re looking forward to (but probably not all of them) in the month of October.

Did we miss anything? Which books are you looking forward to?

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