I read SO many books this month. I had the honor of reading quite a few new authors and even some new genres. I found some new favorites and also learned some things about what I really don't like when I'm reading a romance. You can read them all by Title, here or by Author's name, here
My Top Recommendations for the month are right after the jump...
This second chance at love story will steal your breath. Millie walked away from her one true love 20 years ago. She never told him why and it completely destroyed him. She is ready to try to heal old wounds and goes in search of him. When Hop sees Millie again, all he sees is the woman who ripped out his heart and left him to bleed. Their reunion is painful and hard to read. I felt every single verbal punch they threw at each other like a blade! But then it turns yummy, delicious, sweet sweet sweet! I never wanted it to end. This is the kind of book that I could read over and over again - but a lot of this author's work is that way. I often find myself needing a sexy Alpha male fix that only Kristen Ashley can give. You will love this one - it is my favorite read of the entire year.
The Bourbon Kings is pure indulgence. If you loved Dynasty, Falcon Crest and Dallas you will love this. It's full of drama, sex, intrigue and so many secrets it will make you squeal with delight. It is the beginning of a series where I am anticipating that three siblings we met will each have their story. This is Lane's. He and the Lizzie- who happens to be the family's gardener- were lovers a few years ago. The relationship ends badly and Lane moves to NYC to escape his wounds. When a family emergency calls him home, he is determined to make things right with the woman he loves. But his return home stirs up a nest of dormant secrets that will turn the entire family upside down. This one is a doozy!
This is a purely erotic short story that is book one in the series. Jake is a walking living fantasy and he is happy to make your dreams come true. The writing is great and this is a great little bed time story that will definitely send you to sleep with a smile on your face.
Emma Chase is great at two things: 1) Writing from the male point of view and 2) Romantic comedy. This is as good as it gets in both areas. Sustained is a treat from beginning to end. Jake and Chelsea seem like an unlikely pair at the beginning. But as we get to know them better, Jake especially, you see that they are just right. His character really develops in this story and when it ends you will love him as much as Chelsea does. The legal drama gives it some edge and the family situation gives it a lot of heart. You will laugh, cry and swoon when you read this. Definitely one of my favorites this year!
Sweet Bliss is Author Helena Rac's debut novel and she is off to a great start! In this story of second chances, we meet Tessa and Luke. She is a feisty, independent and smart bakery owner who has decided to focus on her business and not her heart. Luke is a friend of a friend who after a bumpy start to things has decided that he wants to make Tessa his. The funny, sweet and sexy story takes us through this couple's highs and lows. But, it will keep you smiling (and craving cupcakes) the entire time!
The Fall Up is amazing. Sam and Levee are two lost souls who met each other at the right time and in the right place. Their relationship is SO functional even when things are tough. They actually TALK to each other and work their problems out directly. Levee is a famous singer and Sam is a carpenter extraordinaire...Together they bring out the best in each other and this is a story about falling in love and about healing. Well written, poignant and very honest, The Fall Up hit a lot of high notes! Enjoy!
The Deal is the best New Adult story I've ever read! Hands down. It made me a convert to the genre- one I have until now- not been a huge fan of. The characters are really well crafted and very likable. They are honest, smart and mature. The story of the big man on campus and the theater nerd is given a new and enjoyable spin in Garrett and Hannah's story. These two young people have both been dealt cards that forced them to grow up fast. Stereotypes and long held biases fall away quickly as they get to know each other and watching them fall in love was such a joy! It is book one in the Off Campus Series by Elle Kennedy.
The Mistake is book 2 in the Off Campus series by Elle Kennedy. It is Logan's story and picks up right after Garrett and Hannah's story ends. We get to see our couple from book quite a bit in this book and that is fun. Logan, however is definitely the star of this book and he is awesome. He is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders and keeping secrets from his best friends. When he meets Grace, he is not looking for anything serious. Grace is a freshman and in awe of the popular and gorgeous hockey player. Her illusions are shattered when Logan carelessly humiliates and hurts her. His efforts to get her back are sweet and funny! Their love story is SO romantic. I loved Logan-- and my heart broke for him for most of the book. I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed The Deal and am waiting excitedly for book three, The Score to be released!
The lone historical in my reading list this moth, Sweetest Scoundrel was one of the month's stand outs! Elizabeth Hoyt is a great story teller and her Maidenlane series has been excellent so far. This story continues that trend. Asa Makepeace is a dream- strong, brave, gregarious and loving. But his bravado is no match for Eve Dinwoody's iron will. What starts off as a clash of the titans ends up being a soul awakening for both of these characters. They give each other the one thing they had both resigned themselves to living without- love! They both undergo tremendous growth as individuals over the course of the story and it's a thing of beauty. They become partners in more than just bringing Asa's theatre and gardens back to life and they prove to be a powerful duo. Loved this and am looking forward to the next book in this series the The Duke of Sin.
Night Road is not strictly a romance. It is a coming of age, second chance at love and life drama. Jude Farraday is a fierce mother of twins, Mia and Zach. She has raised them in the safety and comfort of their upper class community in Washington state. She wants to protect them from everything and has made it her life's work to keep them within arm's length and on a path that she can steer. When they befriend the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Lexi Baill, she welcomes Lexi into their family and treats her with the same care. But, like the saying goes, "The path to hell is paved with good intentions" and Jude finds, out the hard way, that you can't control everything. The fallout from the bad choices these characters make is spectacular. You won't be able to put this book down as you race to see how it all ends. Awesome read!
This is the sequel to Molly O'Keefe's the Everything I Left Unsaid. It picks up where that book leaves off, so I recommend you read that first. Dylan and Annie story is gritty, raw and so gorgeous you won't be able to look away. These two are put through the ringer. But, their love for each other keeps them from laying down when they get knocked flat. They overcome a lot of external danger and drama. But the biggest obstacle they face will be each other. They have huge personal hills to climb. But they are determined- not always at the same time- to get to the top. This story is sensual and dark and I loved every minute of it!
Kaleidescope Hearts is a beautiful story about forbidden love and second chances. Oliver is Elle's big brother's best friend. He knows she has always been off limits. But when life gives him a chance to with the only woman he has ever loved after he almost lost her forever, he decides to take it- consequences be damned. Elle is picking up the pieces of her life after suffering a devastating loss. She is not sure if she ready to trust Oliver again. But her attraction to him is undeniable and she wants to see if she can finally have her Happily Ever After. Claire Contreras has crafted a heart warming, sexy story that I fell in love with. I highly recommend this!
Dead Man's Trigger is book two in the Raven and Iris series. You must read book 1 - Raven's Tears for the story to make sense. See my review here. This picks up when Raven's Tears leave off and we find our lovers apart and struggling. A good portion of the book is spent with them both engaged in destructive behavior, but also really allowing the reader to get to know who these two are. And when they reunite, it is definitely worth the wait! They are great couple who have an air of invincibility around them. You will need to cling to that sentiment as they go through some really uncertain moments. The book ends in a cliffhanger that will leave you anxious to read book three! If you don't read a lot of fantasy romance, this is a great introduction to that genre!
to be released!
. It picks up where that book leaves off, so I recommend you read that first. Dylan and Annie story is gritty, raw and so gorgeous you won't be able to look away. These two are put through the ringer. But, their love for each other keeps them from laying down when they get knocked flat. They overcome a lot of external danger and drama. But the biggest obstacle they face will be each other. They have huge personal hills to climb. But they are determined- not always at the same time- to get to the top. This story is sensual and dark and I loved every minute of it!
