It’s the last full month of summer. We can hardly believe how fast it has flown by. There have been some great releases this summer. Here are the books releasing in August that we don’t want to go without.
Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews
In a world where magic is the key to power and wealth, Catalina Baylor is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, and the Head of her House. Catalina has always been afraid to use her unique powers, but when her friend’s mother and sister are murdered, Catalina risks her reputation and safety to unravel the mystery.
But behind the scenes powerful forces are at work, and one of them is Alessandro Sagredo, the Italian Prime who was once Catalina’s teenage crush. Dangerous and unpredictable, Alessandro’s true motives are unclear, but he’s drawn to Catalina like a moth to a flame.
To help her friend, Catalina must test the limits of her extraordinary powers, but doing so may cost her both her House–and her heart.
Casee: Although I still need to read Diamond Fire, I can’t wait to read this one!
Holly: I love the Baylor family and I’m so glad we’re seeing more of them!
Rowena: Bruh, this is one of my most anticipated books of the year. I read this one so fast as soon as I got the ARC and I’m going to be all over it again once it releases to the public and my pre-order hits my kindle. This is definitely a binge-worthy book.
Blind Spot (The Evelyn Talbot Chronicles #4) by Brenda Novak
With Jasper Moore, the privileged boy who attacked her when she was only sixteen, finally caught and in prison, Dr. Evelyn Talbot, founder and head psychiatrist at Hanover House (a prison/research facility for psychopaths in remote Alaska), believes she can finally quit looking over her shoulder. She’s safe, happier than she’s ever been and expecting her first child. She’s also planning to marry Amarok, her Alaska State Trooper love interest and the town’s only police presence. But before the wedding can take place, a psychopath from the much more recent past comes out of nowhere and kidnaps her in broad daylight. Instead of planning her wedding, Evelyn finds herself doing everything she can to survive, save her baby and devise some way to escape while Amarok races the clock to find her – before it’s too late.
Casee: I really love this series. It’s one of the few romantic suspense series that I still read.
Lost in You (Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten #3) by “>Lexi Blake
Robert McClellan was forced to serve as a soldier in a war he didn’t understand. Liberated by McKay-Taggart, he struggles every day to reclaim the life he lost and do right by the men he calls his brothers, The Lost Boys. Only one thing is more important – Ariel Adisa. The gorgeous psychologist has plagued his dreams since the day they met. Even as their mission pushes him to his limits, he can’t stop thinking about taking his shot at finding a life beyond all this with her.
Ariel Adisa is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance in Toronto proved she’s more than just a brilliant mind, but Robert still acts as if she is a wilting flower who needs his protection. Joining him on the mission to Munich should be the perfect opportunity to test their skills and cement their relationship. She and Robert are an excellent match. But when a stunning secret from Robert’s past is revealed, their world is turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same again.
While they chase dark secrets across Europe, Robert and Ariel realize that the only thing worse than not knowing who you are could be discovering who you used to be…
Casee: Finally Robert’s book!
Blood Truth (Black Dagger Legacy #4) by J.R. Ward
As a trainee in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s program, Boone has triumphed as a soldier and now fights side by side with the Brothers. Following his sire’s unexpected death, he is taken off rotation against his protests—and he finds himself working with Butch O’Neal, former homicide cop, to catch a serial killer: Someone is targeting females of the species at a live action role play club. When the Brotherhood is called in to help, Boone insists on being a part of the effort—and the last thing he expects is to meet an enticing, mysterious female…who changes his life forever.
Ever since her sister was murdered at the club, Helaine has been committed to finding the killer, no matter the danger she faces. When she crosses paths with Boone, she doesn’t know whether to trust him or not—and then she has no choice. As she herself becomes a target, and someone close to the Brotherhood is identified as the prime suspect, the two must work to together to solve the mystery…before it’s too late. Will a madman come between the lovers or will true love and goodness triumph over a very mortal evil?
Casee: I am really enjoying this series. It’s better than the BDB.
Instant Gratification by Lauren Blakely
As the premier best-man-for hire in all of Manhattan, I promise discretion, so when I need a plus one for a couple of “I dos,” she needs to be A-Plus in reliability. Fortunately, I have a brilliant solution in asking my best friend’s sister to go on my arm. Truly is my good friend, too, and I trust her completely.
Just look how discreet she’s been about the time we spent the night together. But, it was only once, and it was months ago. We’ve been the souls of restraint ever since. I’m sure we can make it through these weddings without banging each other in the limo. Probably.
Plus, she needs my help with a business proposal. A little I’ll-scratch-your-back-you-scratch-mine doesn’t have to lead to the bedroom, right?
Casee: I’m behind reading Lauren Blakely, but I always get excited when she has a new release.
Holly: LB is great for when I’m in the mood for a quick, light read. I can’t wait for this one.
The Right Swipe (Modern Dating #1) by Alisha Rai
Alisha Rai returns with the first book in her sizzling new Modern Love series, in which two rival dating app creators find themselves at odds in the boardroom but in sync in the bedroom.
Rhiannon Hunter may have revolutionized romance in the digital world, but in real life she only swipes right on her career—and the occasional hookup. The cynical dating app creator controls her love life with a few key rules:
– Nude pics are by invitation only
– If someone stands you up, block them with extreme prejudice
– Protect your heart
Only there aren’t any rules to govern her attraction to her newest match, former pro-football player Samson Lima. The sexy and seemingly sweet hunk woos her one magical night… and disappears.
Rhi thought she’d buried her hurt over Samson ghosting her, until he suddenly surfaces months later, still big, still beautiful—and in league with a business rival. He says he won’t fumble their second chance, but she’s wary. A temporary physical partnership is one thing, but a merger of hearts? Surely that’s too high a risk…
Rowena: As a proud Samoan woman, I have been trying to find Samoan characters in the books that I read and The Right Swipe features a Samoan hero so you know that I was all over this one. This is on my list to buy!
Holly: This is on my list. I’ve heard really good things about it from early reviews.
The Wallflower Wager (Girl Meets Duke #3) by Tessa Dare
They call him the Duke of Ruin.
To an undaunted wallflower, he’s just the beast next door.
Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society—and now he wants to get even.
Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart.
When her imposing—and attractive—new neighbor demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges, if he can find them loving homes.
Done, Gabriel says. How hard can it be to find homes for a few kittens?
And a two-legged dog.
And a foul-mouthed parrot.
And a goat, an otter, a hedgehog . . .
Easier said than done, for a cold-blooded bastard who wouldn’t know a loving home from a workhouse. Soon he’s covered in cat hair, knee-deep in adorable, and bewitched by a shyly pretty spinster who defies his every attempt to resist. Now she’s set her mind and heart on saving him.
Not if he ruins her first.
Rowena: Tessa Dare is a Queen of Historical Romance so of course, this book is on my wishlist. I’m really enjoying this series so I’m looking forward to seeing what Dare brings to Penelope’s story.
Holly: Another book to add to my ever-growing historical TBR pile. Sigh.
The Duchess in His Bed (Sins for All Seasons #4) by Lorraine Heath
For a duchess with practical desires, falling in love is an inconceivable part of her plan…
As owner of the Elysium Club which caters to women’s fantasies, Aiden Trewlove is accustomed to introducing adventurous ladies to sin and vice. But he is uncharacteristically intrigued by the mysterious beauty who visits his club one night, yearning to indulge in the forbidden—with him. Drawn to her indomitable spirit, he breaks his rule of never becoming personally involved with his clientele and is determined to fully awaken her desires.
A recent widow, Selena Sheffield, Duchess of Lushing, has never known passion, not until Aiden’s slow, sensual seduction leads her on a journey of discovery and incredible pleasure. But her reasons for visiting the notorious club are not all that they seem.
As Selena’s motives become complicated by love, she finds herself with a most unexpected choice: forge ahead with a secret plan that could secure her future—or follow her heart which could prove ruinous.
Rowena: Like Tessa Dare, Lorraine Heath is a boss at writing historical romances. I have enjoyed many a Lorraine Heath romance lately and this series in particular is a favorite of mine. So, of course, I need Aidan’s book like I need my next breath. I can’t freaking wait to read this book.
Holly: I am so freaking excited for this book. I love this family and I can’t wait to see how things turn out for Aidan.
One Summer Weekend (Cedar Street #1) by Shannon Stacey
Best friends. A fake relationship. And only one bed.
New York Times bestselling author Shannon Stacey delivers the feel-good beach read you’ve been waiting for.
Noah Stafford loves his life—his happy, single life. So what if he made up a fake girlfriend to stop his boss’s matchmaking? He kept things close to the truth—Carly really does have long, sexy legs and a killer sense of humor. She just happens to be his best friend. His wicked awesome and completely platonic best friend.
But now his boss is having a destination wedding, and Noah is expected to attend…with Carly, his girlfriend.
Carly Randall has no interest in living out a rom-com plot. But Noah is her best friend, so she agrees to help. Still, once they arrive on Cape Cod, she can’t explain the sudden butterflies she feels when he looks at her that way. Or why she doesn’t mind when Noah’s hands stray a little south of her back.
What happens on the Cape stays on the Cape.
Except not really, not at all, and once their sexy faux-cation is over, Noah and Carly return to a reality where everything’s changed. Going for it would mean risking their friendship…but forgetting how good they were together just isn’t an option.
Rowena: I love a great contemporary romance series so I’m looking forward to reading this brand spanking new series by Shannon Stacey. This one sounds cute cause you know I’m all about a best friends to more romance. Come to Mama!
Holly: I love Friends-to-Lovers stories and Shannon Stacey. So win/win.
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Ashley comes a new story in her Dream Man series…
Charlotte “Lottie” McAlister is in the zone. She’s ready to take on the next chapter of her life, and since she doesn’t have a man, she’ll do what she’s done all along. She’ll take care of business on her own. Even if that business means starting a family.
The problem is, Lottie has a stalker. The really bad kind. The kind that means she needs a bodyguard.
Enter Mo Morrison.
Enormous. Scary.
Quiet.
Mo doesn’t say much, and Lottie’s used to getting attention. And she wants Mo’s attention. Badly.
But Mo has a strict rule. If he’s guarding your body, that’s all he’s doing with it.
However, the longer Mo has to keep Lottie safe, the faster he falls for the beautiful blonde who has it so together, she might even be able to tackle the demons he’s got in his head that just won’t die.
But in the end, Lottie and Mo don’t only have to find some way to keep hands off until the threat is over, they have to negotiate the overprotective Hot Bunch, Lottie’s crazy stepdad, Tex, Mo’s crew of frat-boy commandos, not to mention his nutty sisters.
All before Lottie finally gets her Dream Man.
And Mo can lay claim to his Dream Girl.
Holly: Mo and Lottie! Yay.
What books are you looking forward to reading this month? Share in the comments!
I hadn’t known that Shannon Stacey has a new book coming out, so that is fine news. I’m definitely looking forward to the new Ilona Andrews book, too. Next month there is supposed to be a new Acton and Doyle book by Anne Cleeland.
I didn’t know about Shannon Stacey’s new book, either. I love the Kowalski series, but I wasn’t crazy about the next ones. I’m looking forward to this new one to see if I can get back on track. And I’ve had The Quiet Man on preorder for months. I may have to do some rereading to refresh on the Hot Bunch but that’s never a hardship.
It took me a minute to remember who Mo and Lottie were. I’ll probably re-read Jet’s book before this one just to refresh.