Thursday, February 9, 2012

Make Your Reservations!



It's time again to mark your calendars and Make Your Reservations for March! Hold on to your hats because there are a bunch of books we are looking forward to next month. Lots of good reading ahead! Are any of these upcoming books on your list? If so, which ones? Also, can anyone tell me who the male model is on Renee Bernard's Passion Wears Pearls?? I'm dying to know!






Rainshadow Road
By Lisa Kleypas

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancĂ© Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

(St. Martin's Griffin)





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A Rogue by Any Other Name
By Sarah MacLean

What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets...

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London's illicit underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them...even her heart.

(Avon)


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The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne
By Madeline Hunter

A woman running a prestigious London auction house? Preposterous! But that is exactly what Emma Fairbourne intends to do when her father dies, leaving her the reins of this fabulous enterprise. Of course, she is not addlepated enough to do this openly and scare away her wealthy collectors. So she and her friend concoct a deception, hiring a handsome and charming front man who will do her bidding...

All would have proceeded smoothly—if it weren’t for the maddening interference of Darius, the arrogant Earl of Southwaite, who has been her father’s “silent partner” and now shares ownership of Fairbourne’s. An earl, of course, has no interest in running an auction house—and Darius is certainly not interested in allowing Miss Fairbourne to run it either, her ludicrous scheme notwithstanding. Clearly the business must be sold, especially since Darius suspects that Fairbourne’s has been involved in shady activities that could embroil everyone associated with it in crime and scandal.

But the headstrong Emma is like no other lady he has ever encountered, refusing to follow his dictates. He finds her infuriating, but her direct speaking and lack of artifice create a powerful attraction as well, one that that has him following his inclinations to seduce her into surrendering to him about Fairbourne’s, and in every other way imaginable.

(Jove)


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Spellbound Falls
By Janet Chapman

Maximilian Oceanus arrives in Spellbound Falls just in time to save Olivia Baldwin from an overly aggressive suitor, only to find himself attracted to the beautiful, if rather aloof, widow. And although Mac has come to Inglenook to get a handle on fatherhood, his newly discovered six-year-old son has set his sights on finding his father a wife.

Olivia, however, is busy getting Inglenook ready for its new season, so she doesn’t have time to deal with her growing attraction to the dangerously seductive Mac. Besides, weird stuff seems to happen all around him. Take the fact that her seatbelt keeps getting stuck in his presence, or locks magically open for him without keys, and that he seems to have a talent for sensing things. Never mind the three lost albatrosses walking down the road in the middle of the night. Since when are there albatrosses in Maine?

But despite Olivia’s resistance to falling under the sexy man’s spell, Olivia is having trouble fighting her longing. Because she knows Mac is just the man to unlock the powerful passion deep within her...

(Jove)


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The Revenge of Lord Eberlin
By Julia London

Returning to Hadley Green after fifteen years, the young Lord Eberlin has but one goal in mind: to avenge the death of his father. But when he is reunited with the beautiful target of his smoldering wrath, his plans take an unexpected turn...

Tobin Scott has not been back to Hadley Green since Lily Boudine’s childhood testimony helped send his father to the gallows for stealing the valuable Ashwood jewels. Now a wealthy man, he intends to exact his revenge by destroying Ashwood and its lady. He offers Lily a choice between her life and the livelihoods of the people who depend on the estate. She chooses the former, certain she can hold his dangerous plans at bay.

Lily and Tobin’s game of one-upmanship quickly becomes a delicate dance of seduction, and she realizes he is not the cold, heartless man he tries to seem. In fact, she is certain he is right—his father was innocent. Together, they set out to find the jewels that will restore his family’s honor, and soon their unbridled passion uncovers a shocking secret that will change their lives forever.

(Pocket)


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Taking a Shot
By Jaci Burton

If you want to score, you have to get in the game...

The last thing Jenna Riley needs is more sports in her life. While her brothers are off being athletic superstars, she's stuck running the family's sports bar, whether she likes it or not. Then in walks pro hockey stud Tyler Anderson. As much as Jenna would like to go to the boards with him, she's vowed to never fall for a jock-even one as hot as Ty.

Ty, intrigued by the beautiful bar owner, becomes a regular. He senses that Jenna wants to do something more with her life. And as he gains her trust, the passion between them grows, as does Ty's insistence that Jenna should start living for herself. With his encouragement, Jenna starts to believe it, too...

But first, Jenna has to figure out what she wants, what she needs, who she loves, and if she has the passion and pride to take a shot at having it all-including Ty...

(Berkley)


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Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea
By Sophia Nash

Six Regency heroes—One royal hangover

An infamous night has been lost to memory. The scandalous Dukes of the Royal Entourage must make amends. The first step is a heroic rescue.

One of England’s most disreputable peers, Alexander Barclay, Duke of Kress, has stumbled upon a perfect opportunity for redemption. Having been exiled to Cornwall by the Prince Regent himself, Barclay discovers lovely Roxanne Vanderhaven clinging to the edge of a cliff, stranded there by her murderous blackguard of a husband...just waiting to be rescued.

Back on solid ground, Roxanne is desperate for a new life— once she’s retaliated for her husband’s despicable actions. Surprisingly, she finds herself drawn to her unlikely champion, certainly the last man in England she could count on. Yet, the infamous Duke of Kress isn’t quite the scoundrel he seems...

(Avon)


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By a Thread
By Jennifer Estep

When killing people is your job, there’s no such thing as a vacation.

Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland’s lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I’m leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria’s, it looks like I’ll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

(Pocket)


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When a Scot Loves a Lady
By Katharine Ashe

London gossips are asking: What use has society of an exclusive gentleman's club if no gentlemen are ever seen to pass through its door?

After years as an agent of the secret Falcon Club, Lord Leam Blackwood knows it's time to return home to Scotland. One temptation threatens his plans—Kitty Savege, who warms his blood like a dram of fine whiskey. But a dangerous enemy stands in the way of desire, and to beat this foe Leam needs Kitty's help...

Kitty never wanted to spend her holidays in a wretched country village! With snow up to the windows, escape is nowhere in sight. A roguish Scottish lord, however, is. His rough brogue sends heat from Kitty's frigid toes to her chilled nose, but she's confident she can withstand that. What she cannot control is the reaction of her guarded heart when she discovers this beast is no beast at all...

(Avon)


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True Highland Spirit
By Amanda Forester

Morrigan McNab learned to survive with a sword in her hand. Taking command, she is determined to protect her impoverished clan, no matter the cost. When an elusive French knight offers gold to fight against England, she joins the call to arms. Sparks fly on the battlefield as a forbidden passion smolders between Morrigan and Sir Dragonet. Yet Sir Dragonet holds a secret that will destroy the hope for a life together, and will make them rivals on a dangerous quest for a mysterious relic. As they fight beside each other against the English, and against each other to find the treasure, their love becomes a greater force than either can control.

(Sourcebooks)





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Now or Never
By Michele Bardsley

Trapped...
Lenore Whyte’s blood might be able to open a portal to the underworld, but she doesn’t understand how to wield the powerful magic bound within her—knowledge that would have come in handy when she was kidnapped and set to be sacrificed.

...and Haunted
Tormented by nightmares of a woman’s death, Sherriff Taylor Mooreland is shocked to find the woman from his visions chained to an altar in the woods. Even though he barely knows her, Taylor is determined to protect the mysterious Lenore no matter what. Even if it means dealing with magic.

And when an investigation into a series of suicides leads Taylor deep into the town’s past, he discovers that the key to saving both Lenore and Nevermore may require the ultimate sacrifice...

(Signet)


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Passion Wears Pearls
By Renee Bernard

After the darkness of a dungeon in India, artist Josiah Hastings found that years of imprisonment left his eyesight weak and failing. So when the fiery beauty of Miss Eleanor Beckett appears in his vision amidst the bleak grays of a London winter, he knows he's found his muse and one last chance at a masterpiece...

(Berkley Sensation)





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Eventide
By Elle Jasper

Newly-bitten tattoo artist Riley Poe feels herself changing in unimaginable ways. Eli Dupre, her vampire lover, has seen the change in her and fears for her humanity. His rival, Victorian, tells her she must see the patriarch of the vampire cult that attacked her to save her soul. In the vampire cult's fortress in Romania, Riley will face her worst fears-and the dark powers threatening to destroy her. And she'll have to do the one thing she's been determined not to do-put her trust in Eli.

(Signet)

21 comments:

  1. I wish I knew who the model is. I'm excited about Madeline's new series.

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  2. Wow! This looks like a wonderful line-up! Can't wait!

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  3. These all look and sound delicious!

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  4. I have been waiting for several of these especially but I have to admit I am like a kid in a candy store, I want them all!

    Lisa Kleypas, Madeline Hunter, Julia London, Janet Chapman, they have been anxiously awaited. Let us not forget the Highlanders, two of them!

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  5. @Jane -- I know! Hopefully someone can tell us who he is. *g*

    @Flora -- Me, too, Flora!

    @Laurie -- Yes, they do!

    @Dianna -- LOL! How can we ever forget the Highlanders?!? ;-)

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  6. My head is spinning looking at all of these delicious books! They all sound so good and the covers are absolutely beautiful! I think I've got a cramp in my hand trying to write all of these titles to the TOP of my Wish List. Dianna certainly mirrors what I've always said. I would rather go to a bookstore than a candy store.

    Thank you so much for the synopses and I cannot wait to read each and every one of them.

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  7. Lots of great books to look forward to!

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  8. As usual, Andrea, you've nailed my list. :) I can't wait to read the new Lisa Kleypas, Sarah MacLean, Katharine Ashe, and the new Maya Rodale. And I KNOW I'm not the only one looking forward to the new Tessa Dare, though I think A Week To Be Wicked is technically considered an April book since it comes out at the end of March.

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  9. I’ve already read Rainshadow Road (certain to be one of my best of 2012 reads), A Rogue by Any Other Name, Between the Duke and the Deep Blue Sea, and When a Scot Loves a Lady plus Caroline Linden’s Blame It on Bath and Robyn Carr’s Redwood Bend. I’m looking forward to Madeline Hunter’s The Surrender of Miss Fairbourne, Jade Lee’s Wedded in Scandal, and Leigh Lavelle’s debut The Runaway Countess. New categories from Janice Kay Johnson, Sarah Mayberry, and Trish Milburn are also on my list--plus March will bring a new Sebastian St. Cyr mystery from C. S. Harris and new nonfiction from Anne Lamott and Marilynne Robinson, both writers whose work I love.

    And Lisa is right. March 27 is at least a thirteen-hearts release day—one for each of the books I have on my must-read list for that day. Life is good!

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  10. @Connie -- LOL! Me, too. There are certainly a lot less calories in a bookstore. ;-)

    @PJ -- There certainly are!

    @Lisa -- I'm reading Sarah's right now (for review) and LOVING it! She'll be visiting with us on the 28th. ;-)

    @Janga -- I'm always envious at how many books you can read!

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  11. YAY! Another book by Sarah MacLean! Looking forward to this book. I am also looking forward to reading Sophia Nash's book.

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  12. I'm wondering if Buffie and her "Hot Dish" detective skills can find out who the guy on Renee Bernard's cover is. Oh, Buffie...? ;-)

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  13. Me, too, Deb! It has been WAY too long since we had a Sophia Nash book. That one is up next for me!

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  14. Rainshadow Road is at the top of my list! I recently read Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, so I can't wait to read this one.

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  15. I can't wait for Rainshadow Road. I love both her historical and contemporary but the latter a little more. I can't wait for this series. Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor felt more like a novella so I'm ready for a full-length contemporary romance.

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  16. There are several books on this list that I just cannot WAIT to get! AND, I didn't know Jaci Burton's next book featured a hunky HOCKEY player!!! I'm already in love so off to Amazon I go to pre-order! Wow, and that cover. Sigh.... ;)

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  17. Another batch of great books. I am so far behind now. I will be looking for Janet Chapman's SPELLBOUND FALLS first. I have enjoyed all her series.

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  18. I've been waiting for most of these, especially Madeline Hunter and Sarah MacLean. Also so want to read the next CS Harris - Sebastian St. Cyr, love this series.

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  19. Thanks, Quilt Lady!

    Cheryl, it's at the top of mine, too!

    I hear you, Na. I loved CEaFH, but wanted more. So glad we will get it with RR!

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  20. Monica, I *love* this series by Jaci Burton!! She has THE best covers EVER!

    I hope you enjoy it, librarypat!

    Pam, Anna Campbell raves about that series. I must read it one day!

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