Thursday, September 12, 2013

Make Your Reservations!



It's time again to mark your calendars and Make Your Reservations for October!  This is the month that so many Christmas romances release. We are looking forward to a few of those, plus several more. Are any of these upcoming books on your list? If so, which ones? If not, which books are on your list? And finally, do you enjoy Christmas romances?








Duke of Midnight
By Elizabeth Hoyt

WHEN A MASKED MAN . . .

Twenty years ago Maximus Batten witnessed the brutal murders of his parents. Now the autocratic Duke of Wakefield, he spends his days ruling Parliament. But by night, disguised as the Ghost of St. Giles, he prowls the grim alleys of St. Giles, ever on the hunt for the murderer. One night he finds a fiery woman who meets him toe-to-toe-and won't back down . . .

MEETS HIS MATCH . . .

Artemis Greaves toils as a lady's companion, but hiding beneath the plain brown serge of her dress is the heart of a huntress. When the Ghost of St. Giles rescues her from footpads, she recognizes a kindred spirit-and is intrigued. She's even more intrigued when she realizes who exactly the notorious Ghost is by day . . .

DESIRE IGNITES A DANGEROUS PASSION

Artemis makes a bold move: she demands that Maximus use his influence to free her imprisoned brother-or she will expose him as the Ghost. But blackmailing a powerful duke isn't without risks. Now that she has the tiger by the tail, can she withstand his ire-or the temptation of his embrace?

(Grand Central)


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Always on My Mind
By Jill Shalvis

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE THE REAL THING

After dropping out of pastry school and messing up her big break on a reality cooking show, Leah Sullivan needs to accomplish something in her life. But when she returns home to Lucky Harbor, she finds herself distracted by her best friend, Jack Harper. In an effort to cheer up Jack's ailing mother, Dee, Leah tells a little fib - that she and Jack are more than just friends. Soon pretending to be hot-and-heavy with this hunky firefighter feels too real to handle . . .

No-strings attachments suit Jack just fine - perfect for keeping the risk of heartbreak away. But as Jack and Leah break every one of their "just friends" rules, he longs to turn their pretend relationship into something permanent. Do best friends know too much about each other to risk falling in love? Or will Jack and Leah discover something new about each other in a little town called Lucky Harbor?

(Grand Central)


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Season for Scandal
By Theresa Romain

Jane Tindall has never had money of her own or exceptional beauty. Her gifts are more subtle: a mind like an abacus, a talent for play-acting—and a daring taste for gambling. But all the daring in the world can't help with the cards fixed against her. And when Edmund Ware, Baron Kirkpatrick, unwittingly spoils her chance to win a fortune, her reputation is ruined too. Or so she thinks, until he suggests a surprising mode of escape: a hasty marriage. To him. On the surface, their wedding would satisfy all the demands of proper society, but as the Yuletide approaches, secrets and scandals turn this proper marriage into a very improper affair.

(Zebra)





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Run to You
By Rachel Gibson

There's nothing like fleeing Miami to ruin a girl's day.

Stella Leon's bartending gig was going fine until gorgeous ex-Marine Beau Junger decked her mob-connected boss, spirited her out of the city, and claimed that Stella's half-sister—the one with the perfect life—sent him. Now Stella has no choice but to go along for the ride . . . and seduce Beau's military-issue socks off . . .

The Marine Corps was Beau's escape from his old man's legacy of naval heroism and serial philandering, but no amount of training could prepare him for the day he looked in the mirror and saw his father staring back. The answer: swear off meaningless sex. Oh, and find a way to make Stella Leon quit being so damn hot . . .

(Avon)


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Summer Is for Lovers
By Jennifer McQuiston

His heart is unavailable. Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him . . .

Though she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson's infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate nature.

That is, if David will agree to teach her.

Past mistakes have convinced David he'll make a terrible husband, though he'll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor. Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems assured . . . provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her.

When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society's rules, all a gentleman can do is lend a hand . . . or more.

(Avon)


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The Christmas He Loved Her
By Juliana Stone

All he wants this Christmas is her...

In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it's also time to come home and face the music. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother's widow, Raine.

Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can't imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother's sudden death. Now he's back and she doesn't know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Or maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.

(Sourcebooks)


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Lady in Red
By Máire Claremont

Lady Mary Darrel should be the envy of London. Instead, all society believes her dead. For Mary holds a secret so dangerous, her father chose to keep her locked away …and have a grave made for her near her mother’s. Driven to the edge of desperation, Mary manages to escape the asylum, only to find that her fate yet again rests in the hands of a man…

Edward Barrons, Duke of Fairleigh, longs for some way to escape the torment of his father’s crimes. In Mary’s warrior spirit and haunted gaze—which so mirrors his own—he finally sees his path to redemption. He will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even as she seeks revenge. But will the passion they discover in each other be enough to save them from their demons?

(Signet Eclipse)


*******


The Trouble with Christmas
By Debbie Mason

Resort developer Madison Lane is about to lose the one thing she loves most in the world - her job. Dubbed "The Grinch Who Killed Christmas," Madison spoiled a deal that would turn quaint Christmas, Colorado, into a tourist's winter wonderland. Now the citizens want her fired but the company gives her one last chance, sending Madison to the small town to restore the holiday cheer.

For Sheriff Gage McBride, no hotshot executive from New York City is going to destroy the dreams of the people he loves. But one look at this beautiful woman and it's his heart that may be broken. In just a few days, Madison causes more trouble than he's had to deal with all year. He can't decide if she's naughty or nice, but one thing is for certain- Christmas will never be the same again...

(Forever)


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His By Christmas
By Kaitlin O'Riley

Yvette Hamilton knows just what she wants for Christmas—a dazzling marriage. And if marrying the ton's catch at the height of the Yuletide season is how she can prove herself, she'll be the most respectable of the many ladies competing for his hand. But one accomplished rake has other, much more tempting ideas. . .

The illegitimate son of a duke, Lord Jeffrey Eddington knows society will never truly respect him. He thought he'd found acceptance as a friend of the Hamiltons, but Yvette's seeming snobbery makes him wager to win her hand no matter what it takes. Too late, he finds her frivolity conceals an intelligent, appealing woman. Now they face a hard choice between the holiday dreams they think they want most. . .and the very real love they can't resist.

(Zebra)

28 comments:

  1. I love Christmas romances. Can't wait for Carolyn browns- A Cowboys Christmas baby and Susan Mallery's Christmas on 4th Street although it comes out Sept. 24, but that's pretty close to October!

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  2. Yes, I do love Christmas novels. Looking forward to ones by these authors:
    Juliana Stone, Sherryl Woods, Susan Wiggs, Brenda Novak, Carolyn Brown, Joann Ross, Jill Shalvis, Bella Andre, Jaci Burton, Donna Kauffman, RaeAnn Thayne and Lori Wilde. Did I leave any contemps out? LOL.

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    1. Just one, Pat! I recommend The Trouble With Christmas by Debbie Mason. Just finished reading an advanced copy of it and really enjoyed!

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  3. I always get excited when the new Christmas romance novels come out because they always make for such romantic and heart-warming reading. First off, I’m looking forward to reading Theresa Romain’s “Season for Scandal.” (I just finished reading her new release, “It Takes Two to Tangle” and I thoroughly enjoyed it.) Then, I want to read “The Trouble with Christmas” and “His by Christmas.” Then, I want to read “Summer is for Lovers” followed by “Lady in Red” followed by - well, I digress. Sorry! As you see, my Wish List is almost as long as Santa’s List! Hurry up, October releases!

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  4. I adore Historical Romance, and there are so many coming out. I can't make a decision on one, so have placed them all on my wish list.

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  5. I love Christmas romances, new ones and favorites I reread. I've already read so many Christmas 2013 romances that I'm going to do a Twelve Days of Christmas in September series of reviews on my blog later this month, including some on your list. I added The Trouble with Christmas to my wish list.

    I've also read and enjoyed Run to You and Summer Is for Lovers, and I eagerly await the Hoyt, the Shalvis, and the Claremont plus Maggie Robinson's new Ladies Unlaced book. I was flag-waving happy anticipating a new Joanna Bourne in October, but Rogue Spy has been delayed until November 4. Before that, there are at least a dozen wonderful books being released on October 29, including new ones from Kristan Higgins, Molly O'Keefe, and Julia Quinn about which I'm already set to rave. One thing I know I can count on every month is new books that put a smile on my face and joy in my romance-loving heart.

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    1. Janga, I'm almost finished with the Hoyt and it is great (as usual)!

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  6. I already pre-ordered Duke of Midnight!!! I can't wait :)

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    1. I can't wait to hear what you think of it, Savannah!

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  7. OOH, some good reading choices coming up. Theresa Romaine and Maire Claremont are new authors for me, and who doesn't like a Debbie Macomber romance? :)

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    1. Deb, I really enjoyed Máire Claremont's first book. Did you read it? I can't wait for the new one!

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  8. Some favorite authors and a few I've not read. And is it me or are covers getting more and more gorgeous!!

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  9. I LOVE Christmas romances because they are just extra-heartwarming! I always read some new ones, and reread some old favorites.

    I am also looking forward to reading Jill Shalvis' next one and Shana Galen's True Spies. Actually, I need the publishers to put a hold on all new books, so I CAN CATCH UP! LOL!!!

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  10. I really enjoy Christmas books it helps me get in the mood for the holidays.

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  11. So many look good.... need some money now...lol


    Donna

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  12. All of these are on my list, except the last one, which I hadn't heard of! Now I have! Low on funds, so I may have to get library books. Boohoo!

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  13. Ohh, another month of goodies to read! I love Christmas stories, I'll read them year round, I don't wait for the holidays! I'm definitely looking forward to another visit to Lucky Harbor. Jill's books are always fun to read. Also have Rachel Gibson and Theresa Romain's newest high on my TBR list, as well as Jennifer McQuiston and Juliana Stone.

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  14. I can't wait for the Elizabeth Hoyt novel. We met her and she joined us for breakfast at RWA/Atlanta this summer; she is delightful!
    The Thief of Shadows Series has been absolutely terrific! I'm really looking forward to "Duke of Midnight"

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  15. OOPS! Forgot to mention "The Trouble with Christmas" By Debbie Mason. We got to meet her with PJ and Andrea and she was lovely!

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  16. Christmas reads are a great favorite of mine.

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  17. Many here I would like to get my hands on. First will be Elizabeth Hour's DUKE OF MIDNIGHT. I love this series and have been looking forward to this couple's story.

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  18. I have so many Christmas books already pre-ordered or reserved at the library.. But I am so looking forward to Jill Shalvis book Always on my Mind. I love Hot Fireman... and so, so glad that Rachel Gibson has a new series coming out...

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