Thursday, April 7, 2011

Make Your Reservations!




It's time again to mark your calendars and Make Your Reservations for May! And WOW, are there a lot of good books coming out! Here are some of the books we're looking forward to next month. Are any of these upcoming books on your list? If so, which ones?




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Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart
by Sarah MacLean



She lives for passion.

Bold, impulsive, and a magnet for trouble, Juliana Fiori is no simpering English miss. She refuses to play by society's rules: she speaks her mind, cares nothing for the approval of the ton, and can throw a punch with remarkable accuracy. Her scandalous nature makes her a favorite subject of London's most practiced gossips . . . and precisely the kind of woman The Duke of Leighton wants far far away from him.

He swears by reputation.

Scandal is the last thing Simon Pearson has room for in his well-ordered world. The Duke of Disdain is too focused on keeping his title untainted and his secrets unknown. But when he discovers Juliana hiding in his carriage late one evening—risking everything he holds dear—he swears to teach the reckless beauty a lesson in propriety. She has other plans, however; she wants two weeks to prove that even an unflappable duke is not above passion.

(Avon)


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Midnight's Wild Passion
by Anna Campbell



London's most notorious seducer, Nicholas Challoner lives solely for revenge...

The dashing, licentious Marquess of Ranelaw can never forgive Godfrey Demarest for ruining his sister—now the time has come to repay the villain in the same coin. But one formidably intriguing impediment stands in the way of Nicholas's vengeance: Miss Antonia Smith, companion to his foe's unsuspecting daughter.

Having herself been deceived and disgraced by a rogue—banished by her privileged family as a result and forced to live a lie—Antonia vows to protect her charge from the same cruel fate. She recognizes Ranelaw for the shameless blackguard he is and will devote every ounce of her intelligence and resolve to thwarting him.

Yet Antonia has always had a fatal weakness for rakes...

(Avon)


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Summer at Seaside Cove
by Jacquie D'Alessandro



The most basic “girl code” states that you never date a friend’s ex—so wouldn’t it be obvious that a current boyfriend is really off limits—especially to your own sister? Apparently Jamie Newman’s half-sister Laurel didn’t get the memo. Leaving behind New York—and the humiliation—Jamie heads to the tiny barrier island of Seaside Cove, North Carolina, for a quiet summer of healing her broken heart and reassessing her sudden disaster of a life. But instead of solace in a cozy beach cottage, she finds a run-down bungalow complete with stray cats and a leaky roof—and of course it’s raining—and the repairman M.I.A....

Strays and colorful neighbors are nothing compared to her next visitors. First her drama-prone mother barges in. Then her angst-ridden teenage niece arrives. And the grand finale of the crazy storm is the arrival of Laurel, who’s been dumped by Jamie’s ex. And of course there’s the repairman, who’s finally shown his face—and is way too good-looking for Jamie’s own good. It’s clear there’s more to him than meets the eye, and Jamie would like to know what, but with the family she tried to escape now crammed in her ramshackle cottage, she may never get the chance...

(Berkley)


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Nowhere Near Respectable
by Mary Jo Putney



He’s a bastard and a gambler and society’s favorite reprobate. But to Lady Kiri Lawford he’s a hero—braver than the smugglers he rescues her from, more honorable than any lord she’s ever met, and far more attractive than any man has a right to be. How can she not fall in love...?

But Damian Mackenzie has secrets that leave no room in his life for courting high-born young ladies—especially not the sister of one of his oldest friends. Yet when Kiri’s quick thinking reveals a deadly threat to England’s crown, Damian learns that she is nowhere near as prim and respectable as he first assumed...and the lady is far more alluring than any man can resist...

(Zebra)


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Face of Danger
by Roxanne St. Claire



Private investigator Vivi Angelino loves living life on the edge, but stepping into the shoes of a movie starlet to bait a serial killer isn't just a thrill...it's a ticket to the big time for her fledgling security firm. That is, as long as a certain risk-averse FBI agent stays out of her way-and out of her fantasies.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Colton Lang isn't above using his well-worn rulebook to stop Vivi's latest walk on the wild side. But when they learn her client is involved in something far more insidious than bad acting, Vivi and Colt must work together despite the electrifying attraction arcing between them. For each new clue is bringing them closer to a high-profile crime with a dark and deadly truth at its core...and a cold, calculating murderer with nothing left to lose.

(Forever)


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When Tempting a Rogue
by Kathryn Smith



A lady must always guard her heart...when tempting a rogue.

In the glittering ballroom of London’s most exclusive gentleman’s club no one is more powerful than its mysterious proprietress, Vienne La Rieux. A shrewd businesswoman, Vienne treasures her hard-won independence and has her eye on a prize that could make her England’s richest woman...until the only threat to her heart arrives, sending her controlled world into chaos.

Lord Trystan Kane is as familiar with success as he is with the exquisite Vienne. She’s the lover he’s never forgotten, and so, when an opportunity arises that would make them partners once again, he takes it. But Trystan has underestimated the enduring power of the chemistry that originally sparked their passion. And with an enemy watching from the shadows, any attempt to mix business with pleasure could have disastrous consequences.

(Avon)


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Any Man of Mine
by Rachel Gibson



What happens in Vegas...doesn't always stay there.

Autumn Haven's Las Vegas "to-do" list said to catch a show and play the slots—not wake up married to a sexy jerk like Sam LeClaire. The first moment she saw him eyeing her like a luscious piece of the dessert buffet, her usually responsible self told her to run. And she did—right into the wildest fantasy weekend of her life. But Monday morning jolted her back to reality, and before she could say "pass the coffee," Sam was gone.

Now a successful wedding planner, Autumn hasn't clapped eyes on the heartbreaking hockey superstar for over two years...until she organizes his teammate's "Special Day," where Sam makes a big play to pick up where he left off! But she has vowed any man of hers plays for keeps. Is Sam the man for her or does she banish him to the sin bin forever?

(Avon)


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Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage
by Kieran Kramer



Every woman dreams of saying “I do.” Jilly Jones did—and years of a deeply imperfect marriage followed. Now living in London and working in a charming bookshop, the free-spirited Jilly is perfectly content with her newfound independence...until she meets a dashing naval officer who sparks her longing for a real happily ever after.

Captain Stephen Arrow is just home after years of service, and he’s in no hurry to give up his hard-won freedom. The meddlesome bluestocking Jilly Jones is exactly the kind of woman he doesn’t need…But there’s something about her that keeps drawing Stephen back to the bookshop. With her sparkling wit and understated beauty, she seems like a surprisingly real match for Stephen. But will a scandalous chapter in Jilly’s past stand in the way of their heated attraction? For this bachelor, nothing is impossible...

(St. Martins)


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The Vampire Dimitri
by Colleen Gleason



Dimitri, also known as the Earl of Corvindale, should be delighted that the headstrong Maia Woodmore is getting married. His mortal ward and houseguest has annoyed—and bewitched—the Dracule nobleman too long, and denying his animal cravings grows more excruciating by the day.

Miss Woodmore's family has a rather...complicated history with the immortals and she herself possesses a keen sensibility far beyond mere women's intuition. Marriage will give her safety, respectability and everything else a proper young lady could wish for. Everything, that is, except passion.

In the looming battle between Dracule factions, all pretenses will shatter as Maia and Dimitri come together in an unholy union of danger, desperation and fiercest desire.

(Mira)


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Heartache Falls
by Emily March



Married for more than twenty years, and with her children out of the nest, Ali Timberlake has come to Eternity Springs alone. She's looking for answers to hearbreaking questions and searching for something that's missing deep within herself. Taking a lease on the Bristlecone Cafe in pursuit of a lifelong dream, Ali feels revitalized as she becomes part of this charming mountain town. But a big piece of her is still back in Denver with her husband, Mac, a successful judge--and a man who isn't going to let the woman he loves leave without a fight.

When Mac shows up in Eternity Springs--sexy, seductive, and determined to win his wife back--he experiences the wonder of the place that has given Ali such feelings of happpiness and belonging. He wants that for her, but even more, he wants that with her. Ali has found a special place for her heart. But is there still enough room left in that heart for him?

(Ballantine)


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My Favorite Countess
by Vanessa Kelly



She is difficult, demanding, and at times, quite fierce. And Dr. John Blackmore can't take his eyes off her. The Countess of Randolph is the most striking woman he has ever seen...and the most infuriating patient he has ever tended.

Mired in responsibility, Bathsheba doesn't have time to convalesce in the country. She should be in London, hunting for a wealthy new lover to pay off her late husband's vast debts, not dallying with a devastatingly handsome doctor.

But it is only a matter of time until the good doctor and the obstinate countess will have to contend with the sparks that fly between them. And once their bodies surrender, their hearts may follow...

(Zebra)


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Tangled Threads
by Jennifer Estep



I'd rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.

But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson's front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn't shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull's-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there's a fifty-fifty chance one of us won't survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I'm her long-lost sibling...or that I'm the murderer she's been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn't know just might get us both dead...

(Pocket)


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The Guardian
by Margaret Mallory



After years of fighting abroad, Ian MacDonald comes home to find his clan in peril. To save his kin, he must right the wrongs from his past...and claim the bride he's long resisted.

As a young lass, Sìleas depended on Ian to play her knight in shining armor. But when his rescue attempt compromised her virtue, Ian was forced to marry against his wishes. Five years later, Sìleas has grown from an awkward girl into an independent beauty who knows she deserves better than the reluctant husband who preferred war to his wife. Now this devilishly handsome Highlander is finally falling in love. He wants a second chance with Sìleas - and he won't take no for an answer.

(Forever)


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Warrior Betrayed
by Addison Fox



As Montana Grant struggles to lead her late father's company, her estranged mother suddenly reappears, spouting nonsense about Mount Olympus, immortal warriors, and curses. But after an event that puts the company's future-and Montana's life-at risk, she decides to take her mother's last but of advice.

Quinn Tanner is Montana's security specialist-and a Taurus Warrior. With worldwide peace hanging in the balance, it's up to Quinn to help Montana rise to her destiny-even as they're falling in love.

(Signet)


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Defiant
by Kris Kennedy



A warrior with questionable intentions...

Jamie Lost is the king's most renowned commander, a fearless lieutenant ordered to kidnap an exiled priest before rebel forces close in. The mission is simple—until he meets a mysterious thief who will steal his quarry and then his heart.

A lady of remarkable courage...

Beautiful Eva is also seeking Father Peter, but she intends to protect him from a secret that could cost him his life. She senses that she, too, should fear Jamie—not just for his wickedly sharp sword and dangerously muscular body, but for the powerful longing he ignites within her.

A secret that could overthrow the king.

When a band of mercenaries abducts the priest, Jamie and Eva must form a volatile alliance. As civil war unfolds around them, they embark on an epic journey that betrays the truth about their hidden identities, their unexpected loyalties, and the simmering attraction that could seal their fates forever.

(Pocket)

44 comments:

  1. The books I'm looking forward to the most:
    - "Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart" by Sarah MacLean
    - "Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage"
    by Kieran Kramer
    - "My Favorite Countess" by Vanessa Kelly

    Although more are on my TBB list.

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  2. OH MY

    I really need to get these books LOL

    I am soo looking forward to
    Anna Campbell's and Kieran Kramer's and Sarah Maclean's and Margaret Mallory's

    I am sure I will end up with them all LOL

    Have Fun
    Helen

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  3. I'm excited about all of them, but on the top of my list is Rachel Gibson's "Any Man of Mine."

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  4. & my list grows ever longer. Mother's Day is coming up so I will be making out a list & passing it around.

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  5. I want to read Anna Campbell book, then Rachel Gibson..then All of them :)

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  6. Looking forward to both 11 Scandals & Midnight's Wild Passion. Yeah, they're finally gonna be here :)

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  7. Aren't those the most gorgeous covers, Sheree?

    Although more are on my TBB list.

    LOL, me too!

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  8. I know, Helen! I'm sure you'll enjoy them. :)

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  9. Jane, I've not read a Rachel Gibson book before (yes, I know!), but I do have several of hers in my TBR pile including Nothing But Trouble, True Love and Other Disasters, and Daisy's Back in Town. One of these days, I will find the time to read them!

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  10. marybelle, books are the perfect Mother's Day gift! Or at least a gift card, which is what I usually get. LOL

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  11. LOL @ mariska! Glad you like our list. It's a bit long this month, but there are SO many great books we're looking forward to!

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  12. Less than three weeks, gamistress66! I can't wait!

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  13. Definitely looking forward to Eleven Scandals! I have been waiting for Juliana's story ever since we met her in Nine Rules. I predict sparks are going to fly, and Juliana is going to drive Leighton absolutely crazy, lol. I also have Maya Rodale's Tale of Two Lovers marked on my calendar too-I love her Writing Girls series! But after reading this post, there are definitely a lot more books I want to check out.

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  14. So many wonderful books coming out next month! I've already read Anna's book (it's another winner) and Roxanne St. Claire's (Awesome!)

    I'm looking forward to the books from:

    Sarah MacLean (Can't wait to see how Juliana wins her duke!)

    Kieran Kramer (Loved her first two!)

    Jacquie D'Alessandro (So happy to see her dipping her writerly toes in the contemporary world again!)

    Mary Jo Putney (She's been an auto-buy for years!)

    Rachel Gibson (Love her hockey heroes!)

    Emily March (Such beautifully rich and emotional stories.)

    Vanessa Kelly (One of my favorite new historical writers.)

    Kris Kennedy (Her last book, The Irish Warrior was on my "Best of 2010" list.)

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  15. I very much looking forward to:

    -Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean (Julian will finally help Simon take that stick out of his butt)

    -Cloud with a Chance of Marriage by Kieran Kramer (Just because I love her book titles.)

    -My Favorite Countess by Vanessa Kelly (because Twitter told me to)

    -Warrior Betrayed by Addison Fox (because I have a sudden urge to lick the cover)

    -Defiant by Kris Kennedy (because once again,I have a sudden urge to lick the cover)

    There are so many more books coming out but what I am most, most, most looking forward to are the books that I won at Operation Auction. (Lila DiPasqua)

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  16. I am looking forward to the books by Sarah MacLean, Anna Campbell, Jacquie D, and Kathryn Smith. Can't wait to read these books! :)

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  18. Wow! What a great month! And I can speak from experience since I've already read the May releases from Campbell, Gibson, Kelly, and MacLean and enjoyed them all.

    I'm looking forward to the new releases from Kennedy, Kramer, March, Putney, St. Claire, and Smith on the Dishes' list. I'm also really eager to read Madeline Hunter's Dangerous in Diamonds and new romances from Beth Andrews and Kate Noble, along with new women's fiction from three of my favorites in that genre: Mary Alice Monroe, Wendy Wax, and Karen White and Kate Carlisle's next Bibliophile mystery. But the May book I'm most looking forward to is Julia Spencer-Fleming's One Was a Soldier, a mystery that I've been desperate to read for ages.

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  19. I'm looking forward to reading Eleven Scandals by Sarah Maclean. After Kieran Kramer received two RITA nominations, I picked up her first book, but was disappointed in it. Sometimes when you hear so many good things about a debut author it can't meet the expectations game.

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  20. I can’t wait to read MacLean’s Eleven Scandals and Estep’s Tangled Threads. I’m also looking forward to the books by Putney, Gleason, and Gibson.

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  21. Oh, my! So many great historicals and contemporaries coming up....I don't even know where to start.

    I should just copy PJ's post and add Anna Campbell's book to the list. For starters.

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  22. Lisa said: I have been waiting for Juliana's story ever since we met her in Nine Rules. I predict sparks are going to fly, and Juliana is going to drive Leighton absolutely crazy, lol.

    Me, too! Ever since they saw each other at the bookshop. ;-) And I totally agree with you about the sparks flying. I love that!

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  23. PJ, I'm so happy that Jacquie has a full length contemp, too. Should be good!

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  24. KatiR, your comment has me laughing!! I want to lick some of those covers, too... ;-)

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  25. I knew you would be looking forward to those, Trisha!

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  26. Forgot to add -- Lisa, I have Maya's upcoming release on my list, too! I love its cover.

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  27. Janga, I knew I would forget one: Kate Noble's! *slaps forehead* I am really looking forward to FOLLOW MY LEAD!

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  28. I agree with you, Penfield, in that I hate to be disappointed. One of this year's RITA nominated books was a DNF for me (not Kieran's) and I'm still clueless as to how it was nominated. I guess one person's DNF is another person's Top Pick.

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  29. LSUReader, it seems as if most people are looking forward to Sarah's latest, aren't they? I hope you enjoy it!

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  30. Antonia said: So many great historicals and contemporaries coming up....I don't even know where to start.

    Antonia, that's my problem--where to start?? LOL! I guess it's a great problem to have. :)

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  31. Absolutely the new Rachel Gibson. I had a hoot reading her last hockey book, Nothing But Trouble and really anxious to see how she will wrap up this series. I heard that Any Man of Mine is her last of the Chinooks!

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  32. I am looking forward to adding the following books to my tumbling pile of reads.
    Summer At Seaside Code
    Face Of Danger
    Any Man of Mine
    Cloudy With A Chance of Marriage
    Heartache Falls
    My Favorite Countess.
    Oh My!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Love & Hugs,
    Pam

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  33. All of the books sound great, but I'm most looking forward to Jennifer Estep's Tangled Threads, Kieran Kramer's Cloudy with a Chance of Marriage and Anna Campbell's Midnight's Wild Passion.

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  34. Okay, Scorpio, you've convinced me--I really need to read Rachel Gibson's books.

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  35. Pamela, I'm glad I'm not the only one with a tumbling pile of reads. And every month it gets even bigger!

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  36. LOL @ Artemis! Tell me about it!

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  37. May is looking really, really good!!! :-)

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  38. Yay, Barbara--another Anna Campbell fan! Isn't that cover gorgeous?

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  39. I know, Buffie! Lots of good books. :)

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  40. As usual, this feature just made my Wish List longer. Oddly enough for me, it is a couple of the contemporaries am most interested in.

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  41. Several on the list but two in particular I have been waiting on are Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean
    and My Favorite Countess by Vanessa Kelly

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  42. These look like some fabulous books, can't wait.

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  43. A little late, but just to say how much I'm looking forward to Addison Fox' 3rd book in the Warriors of the Zodiac series!

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  44. Just found the list. So many wonderful books... Addison Fox's Warrior Betrayed is at the top of my list. I loved, loved, LOVED the first books in this series!

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