New Releases in Romance - Week of March 2, 2014

Here's some great new releases for the week of March 2, 2014.  I went back and grabbed some March 1 ones, too, since they didn't make any of the February posts.  I'm really enjoying all the tattooed chests in the paranormal section right now.

Paranormal


Historical


Contemporary


Romantic Suspense


Erotic

Review: The Look of Love by Bella Andre

Title: The Look of Love (The Sullivan's #1)
Author: Bella Andre
Source: Amazon Vine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: May 29, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 3
Sexual - 3

Expanded Edition! More Story! More Sullivans!

Fans of Bella Andre’s Sullivan Series will love this long-awaited print edition of THE LOOK OF LOVE. It features a longer, more-detailed story with all the emotion and sensuality that readers love. Not to be missed!

Sometimes one look is all it takes.

Chloe Peterson has vowed never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Her reasons are as vivid as the bruises on her cheek. So when her car skids off a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced the gorgeous guy who rescues her must be too good to be true.

As a successful international photographer, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women. He’s satisfied with his life until he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley.

With every loving look and every sinfully sweet caress the attraction between them sizzles, and Chloe can’t help but wonder if she’s met the man who may be the exception to her rule.

I have been wanting to try out this series for a long time, so I jumped at the chance for a review copy.  The Sullivan family is HUGE - there are six boys and two girls, so I know there will be a lot to read about.  The Look of Love takes on one of the brothers, Chase, a reknown photographer.  When he finds Chloe on the side of the road in a rainstorm his protective instincts kick in and he would do anything take care of her.  Chloe on the other hand, is ready to keep running.  She can't trust men and isn't sure what to think of her apparent knight in shining armor.

This was a decent start to the series with lots of background early on about the family.  I liked how other members of the family were brought in on occassion so I could get to know them a little along the way.  I hope to see more of Chase in future books as well.  Some of the story dragged just a little - too much "I love you but I shouldn't" for me to really get into the characters.  There were also some amazingly hilarious scenes that had me almost laughing out loud.

If you like a nice happy contempory story with a beautiful ending and more to look forward to, I suggest you start this series.  It looks to be a great one.

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Review: Far Shore by Traci L. Slatton

Title: Far Shore (The After #3)

Author: Traci L. Slatton
Source: Author Request
Genre: Dystopia, Paranormal Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: October 10, 2013
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

An old enemy wreaks new havoc at the end of the world…

After the mists’ lethal apocalypse, mankind’s only hope for survival lies broken and battered, the prisoner of a ruthless sociopath who will stop at nothing to hurt him. Emma sets out to rescue him. She faces an ultimatum and must relinquish everything she holds dear. As Arthur teeters on the brink of life and death, Emma’s healing ability fails. Her own despair tests her, and she must grow stronger than she ever dreamt possible as she confronts the truth of her own heart.

In a time of apocalyptic despair, love is put to the test…

A mystical odyssey, a haunting love...

Reviews of Book One Fallen: WildAboutBones, Jasmyn
Review of Book Two Cold Light: Jasmyn

*May contain small spoilers if you have not read book one and two*

Once again Emma was forced to choose between Arthur and Haywood, and once again she chooses her past and her husband.  But when she gets word that Arthur has been captured and Jeannie is deathly ill and needs her help, she leaves once again to find the man she really loves.

A lot of loose ends are tied up in this book and the romance really starts to shine through.  While there still wasn't what I would call a HEA ending, it was definitely more hopeful and very close to a HFN ending.  This book really puts the spotlight on Emma and Arthur and their relationship.  Forced to confront parts of their past and look towards what their future may really be like, they struggle together and seem to have a mountain inbetwen them at times.

This is also still very much an spocalyptic type novel.  The Mists are evolving and seem to have a hive type mind driving them.  The world is becoming more dangerous while at the same time a new type of civilization is developing from the remains.  Emma and Arthur will both have incredible important roles (they are the main characters after all) to play in this process.  I really enjoyed this series.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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New Cover Reveal: Accidental Sex Goddess by Lexi Ryan

Accidental Sex Goddess by Lexi Ryan
Publication date: January 14th 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance

From the new York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of Unbreak Me
FAKING IT NEVER FELT SO GOOD...

Promotions director Reese Regan isn't a sex goddess and doesn't want to be.  But when she's offered a job with Sex Goddess, Inc., she must complete the company's wildly popular Sex Goddess 101 program.  Trying only to avoid the unemployment line, not to become Chicago's next seductress, she never expected the infamous "steps" might work.

Reese's sexy, off-limit best friend Ben Hawk helps her "fake" her way through lingerie shopping, phone sex, and seduction lessions.  The passion that flares between them might be hotter than their friendship can withstand.  And the idea that he only wants the "new" her?  Thats definitely more than her heart can stand.

Will faking something so important cost her a chance at something real?

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BIO:

New Yor Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Lexi Ryan's novels have been described as intense, emotional and wickedly sexy.  A former college professor, she now writes full-time from her home in Indiana, where she lives with her husband, two childre, and a neurotic god.  Find her on Facebook or Twitter to chat about books, TV, and her children's latest antics.

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Excerpt from Accidental Sex Goddess:

With a forced smile, Reese withdrew an envelope from her purse and handed it to Ben. “Apparently, Sex Goddess equals dirty.”

“Is this your next step?” He stifled a grin. “Please tell me she’s making you burn your bras.” He signaled to the door with his thumb. “I think I have some lighter fluid at the house.”

“What? Of course she’s not.” She scowled. “I hope not.”

Ben’s eyes dropped south for a second. “You know, bras are a sign of repression. Liberate the breasts and liberate the woman.”

She rolled her eyes. “Stop being a dork and read the letter.”

Ben frowned. “You’re taking this program more seriously than I thought you would.”

“No, I’ve just gotten really good at faking it.”

“The new outfit doesn’t look fake. Or the makeup.”

Balls clacked at the pool table behind them and the Bears game played on the big screen.

“So, I like looking sexy. Women like to be wanted, Ben. It comes standard with the estrogen.”

“And men didn’t want you before you started taking Halie’s Holy Steps?”

“Most of which I’m faking,” she reminded him. She waved a hand dismissively. “Just read it.”

“The phone sex didn’t seem fake,” he said softly. Neither had her hand in his or the way she’d squeezed his hand when Sydney played her solo.

A red tinge crept up her cheeks. Satisfied, Ben turned to the letter.

Say goodbye to your panties. For the next week, you’ll be going commando, forcing your mind to acknowledge the parts of your body too often left as an afterthought.

He grunted. “No wonder my guys want their wives to sign up.”

“Spoken like a true male. Foregoing underwear isn’t sexy, it’s unsanitary.”

He shook his head. “It’s sexy.”

“What if I’m doing yard work?”

“Sexy.”

She crossed her arms and her cheeks flushed. “Or I’m working out?”

“Still sexy.”

Reese leaned forward. “Or I want to wear a skirt?”

Ben narrowed his eyes. “Now you’re just tormenting me.”

She shook her head. “I don’t need to go commando to acknowledge my female parts.”

Leaning back in his chair, Ben folded his arms across his chest and studied her. Why was she taking this program so seriously? The kiss? The phone sex? He wasn’t complaining, but couldn’t she have just as easily fabricated a story for Halie?

They were the questions that were starting to niggle at him. Despite what Reese said, this was about more than a job.

He handed back the letter and only let himself ask one question. “So, when do the panties come off?”

Review: Hearts Under Siege by Natalie J. Damschroder

Title: Hearts Under Siege

Author: Natalie J. Damschroder
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: Novel
Release Date: February 24, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 3

Brady Fitzpatrick has spent a decade burying the pain of a broken heart while working for
SIEGE, an information-gathering spy agency. That it kept him away from his family as well as his best friend Molly has been an unfortunate side effect. But when his brother, also an agent, is killed during a foreign op, Brady is drawn into a web of intrigue that threatens the lives of everyone he loves…

Molly Byrnes has loved Brady forever. As his best friend and a de facto member of the Fitzpatrick family, she holds them together in their crushing grief. But as a member SIEGE’s ground team, she doesn't buy the official line about Brady’s brother’s “accidental” death and launches her own investigation—only to uncover a shocking secret that she and Brady must get to the bottom of before their target finds them.

Tangled emotions land them in bed together, opening Brady’s eyes to the incredible, fearless woman who’s been there for him all his life. But after a lifetime of disappointment, how can Molly trust the possibility of a future with him…or if they can count on any future at all?

I'm not usually a fan of military style romance, but I love Natalie Damschroder's other books and I'm so glad I took a chance on this one. SIEGE is a super secret spy agency - the type where the people working there don't even know who else is working there.  Brady is out on assignment when news comes that his brother has died.  No one can reach him but Molly, another agent of SIEGE and Brady's best friend from childhood.  So the adventure starts with her tracking him down, but it doesn't stop there - something is odd about the death and they both set out to find out just what it is.

Hearts Under Siege is full of action, but throughout it all Brady is trying to come to grips with realizing that he might just be falling in love with Molly.  There were a few times it was a little predictable, but in the end Natalie had a few surprises up her sleeve for me that I never saw coming.  Both Molly and Brady were incredible characters.  Their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other and neither of them was completely perfect, but very lovable in their imperfections.

The agency itself only came into play as a prop to get the story started and a few times to keep it moving in the right direction.  It never overshadowed our characters but hummed along nicely in the background helping to hold the storyline together.

*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*

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When your in a reading slump..bump....wall....

So recently I have been in a reading rutt. Well I call it a hole really. I begin a novel all excited and then stop about a quarter of the way through it because it will fall into one of four categories : Been there done that; Too slow; my mind can't calm down enough to read you; or I don't have time. I seriously have 7 books started...none half way done. OK...that was too generous. The majority not past the first chapter really. See I can't even finish that measurement , HAHA.

I’m sure there is great stuff out there. I've checked out books and bought books I’m excited to get into too. I get home, get curled up, open it.....my mind begins to wander to work and my personal situation. I can't even get into my favorite author!! She's had two new books come out and I haven't bought them.

 Working at the local library helps with this issue a bit.  I run into people all the time that read from different genres. I handle books that I would never pick up on my own to check out for others. So I asked a couple of  co workers that have completely different taste than I do what they would suggest. Both being guys, they  steered me to graphic novels and manga section.

At first I balked at the idea. I mean, I love super heroes, who doesn't? Wonder Woman was a child hood hero of mine growing up.  I also knew that a lot of the novels I've read have been made into graphic novels as well.  But really...??!! I was not into the whole "draw me a picture cause I'd rather see it than imagine it" thing. But, me being willing to try anything once ( including eating snails. But that's a different blog post) smiled and I asked the guys to load me up. And they did most happily. It was a geek fantasy.  I stood in the aisle while the two of them loaded me up with graphic geek delight saying things like “ooo! This was good!” or “OH No! She needs to start with this one!” Then I would step back while they hashed out the reasons why one version was better than another of what I considered a cartoon.

So, the next review posts I can get out will be of these. I hope to offer you a new genre to try out and offer myself a a break in my busy and messed up personal life at this time. Happy reading!

Cover Reveal: One Broke Girl by Rhonda Helms

One Broke Girl by Rhonda Helms
(Edgewood Falls #1)
Publication Date: April 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Anna Parker's life disintegrates with one phone call.  Her dad's selling their ritzy New York City condo because her Wall Street banker mom emptied their bank account and ran off with another man.  Which means Anna has to drop out of her elite college and move with Dad back to their small Ohio hometown, Anna's determined to reclaim her life ASAP, so she'll use the next few months to save money, help Dad get back on his feet, and find and confront her mom.

But Anna doesn't anticipate things going so wrong.  The only job she can get is working as a lunch lady in an elementary school.  Their money-pit duplex is falling apart around their feet.  And her dad is depressed without her mom, who's proving hard to find.

One bright spot in the chaos is Gavin Metcalf, a kindergarten teacher she dated when they were young teens.  With is easy wit and sexy smiles, he makes her forget her stresses - and the fact that her boyfriend Steven back in New York doesn't know the truth yet about her dire circumstances.  When past and present collide, Anna has to decide where her future lies...

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AUTHOR BIO

Rhonda Helms started writing several years ago.  She has a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing.  She also edits for Carina Press (an imprint of Harlequin Publishing) and feelance edits.

When she isn't writing, she likes to do amateur photography, dig her toes into the sand, read for hours at a time, and eat scads of cheese.  WAY too much cheese.

Rhonda lives in Northeast Ohio with her family.

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Review: Nina Tempted the Lord by Kelly Hunter

Title: Nina Tempted the Lord (When Honey Got Married Novella)
Author: Kelly Hunter
Source: Entangled Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: February 21, 2014
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Rating - 4
Sexual - 2

The sister of the bride needed a date of convenience and who better than her hazel-eyed,
mysterious co-worker? If only Nina could keep her hands off his perfect body until she learned his true identity…

When the book starts off talking about a rich girl running away to join the circus I though it was joking - but it really wasn't.  This was the start to a novella that was unusually unpredictable.  Nina is a dancer - the kind the dances in the air on the long pieces of fancy fabric (no idea what they are technically called) - and she's really good at it.  But her old-money filthy rich family has never really approved.  So when she heads home for her sister, Honey's, wedding she asks Alex, financial director, to come help keep her grounded and sane.

Now, there lots we can guess by the title in the title, but it really doesn't come into play much at all - which was also nice.  Alex and Nina have a bit of an "I can't be with you, but I really want to" relationship but the reasons behind it were better than some I've read.  A cute and funny romp into a world that invovles a circus was a great read.

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