November 1st was a good day for new releases:
The latest contemporary romance by Nora Roberts, The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro #1) series. The beginning of a new romance series about the three Montgomery brothers who find their happily ever afters while rebuilding a historical Inn in BoonsBoro, Maryland. I love Nora Roberts' books, so I couldn't miss this book!
The Comforts of Home (Harmony #3) by Jodi Thomas is the continuation of her Harmony series. I enjoyed Welcome to Harmony and couldn't wait to find out what happens to the people in that town. Jodi Thomas has a way of creating fictional characters residing in a small town setting and making them come alive with their secret heartaches, loves and dreams. I'm thinking this book is a perfectly heartwarming read for November, especially with the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays.
Heart of Steel (Iron Seas #2) by Meljean Brook! A highly anticipated book and the continuation of Brook's Iron Seas steampunk series. I loved both the novella introducing this series Here There Be Monsters (Burning Up Anthology), and the first book in this series, The Iron Duke. Now this is the story of Yasmeen, the infamous captain of the Lady Corsair! I began reading it, but had to put it aside... [sigh] I can't wait to read it.
❧❧❧❧❧❧
Now, I'm waiting for:
Detours by Jeffrey Ricker releasing November 15, 2011 (Bold Strokes Books). I first read Mr. Ricker's work in the Fool for Love anthology and enjoyed his story. Since then I've read a few of his short stories and continued to enjoy his work, but I've been looking forward to reading a complete novel by this author.
Joel Patterson should be happier than ever. He's just returned from a two-week vacation in London, where he met Philip, who might be the man of his dreams. Instead, Joel's heading to Maine for his mother's funeral. He quits his job to fulfill one last request for his mother: unload his parents' albatross of an RV by delivering it to an old family friend—in California.
Somehow, Joel's high school "friend" Lincoln has invited himself along on the ride—and into Joel's bed. The other person who's invited herself along? The ghost of his mother, who still has plenty to say about her son's judgment (or lack thereof). Joel has to get the RV to San Francisco, get rid of Lincoln, and get back to Philip. It would also make him feel better if he learned what's keeping his mother tied to this earthly plane. However Joel manages it, the route is likely to be anything but straight.
❧❧❧❧❧❧
History's Passion: Stories of Sex Before Stonewall by Richard Labonté releasing November 15, 2011 (Bold Strokes Books). Labonté is a favorite LGBT editor and so are three of the four authors included in this anthology. I'm not about to miss it. Here's a short version of the book summary:
Four acclaimed erotic authors re-imagine the past... welcome to the hidden queer history of men loving men not so very long—and centuries—ago.
In "Heaven on Earth," Lambda Literary Award-winner editor and author Simon Sheppard evokes a noirish Depression-era setting for Wichita rich kid Eli: Bonnie and Clyde meet Leopold and Loeb. In "Camp Allegheny," Lambda finalist Jeff Mann recounts a clandestine Civil War romance between two Rebel soldiers. In "Tender Mercies," Dale Chase imagines the world of young Luke Farrow, a failure at prospecting during the California Gold Rush. In "The Valley of Salt," David Holly blends legend with lust in the beautiful city of Gomorrah more than 3,000 years ago.
❧❧❧❧❧❧
Mystery of the Tempest: A Fisher Key Adventure by Sam Cameron releasing November 15, 2011 (Bold Strokes Books). This is also LGBT, but for a change it's a young adult mystery. I recently read a short story by Sam Cameron in the Speaking Out: LGBTQ Youth Stand Up anthology and loved it, so I was happy to accept this book for review. I've already read it, so expect a review soon.
Twin brothers Denny and Steven Anderson love helping people and fighting crime alongside their sheriff dad on sun-drenched Fisher Key, Florida. Steven likes chasing girls. Denny longs to lose his virginity, but doesn’t dare tell anyone he’s gay. Steven has a secret of his own. He lied to everyone, including his own brother, about being accepted into SEAL training for the U.S. Navy.
On the day they graduate high school, the twins meet the handsome new guy in town, a military veteran with a chiseled body and mysterious past. Meanwhile Brian Vandermark, a gay transfer student from Boston, finds himself falling for closeted Denny but hampered by his shyness. When an antique yacht explodes in Fisher Key harbor, all three boys are caught up in a summer of betrayal, romance, and danger. It’s the Mystery of the Tempest—and it just might kill them all.
❧❧❧❧❧❧
Head Over Heels (Lucky Harbor #3) by Jill Shalvis releasing November 22, 2011 (Forever/Hachette Book Group). This is the continuation of her Lucky Harbor series and a favorite contemporary romance series for me. It's Chloe's story and I'm not about to miss it.
Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.
Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?
❧❧❧❧❧❧
Fate's Edge (The Edge, #3) by Ilona Andrews releasing November 29, 2011 (Ace)! Boy, I've been waiting a whole year for this puppy. I'm loving this series by the Andrews team and can't wait to get my hands on this book.
Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...
Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help...
❧❧❧❧❧❧
A Place Called Home by Jo Goodman is releasing December 6, 2011 (Zebra). I know this book is releasing early next month, but for some reason this contemporary romance by a favorite historical romance writer caught my attention and I'm really looking forward to reading it, so I'm highlighting it now. :D
When Thea Wyndham and Mitchell Baker learn they've been named joint guardians for their late friends' three children, they're little more than acquaintances. Barely polite acquaintances, at that. Something about Mitch's forthright intensity has always left ad exec Thea feeling off-balance, while Mitch makes no secret of his disdain when Thea offers him financial assistance if he'll take sole guardianship. Thea is far from heartless. She's just plain terrified of her new parenting responsibilities. Both she and Mitch are romantically involved with other people. Yet the more time they spend together, the less certain she is of her loyalties. There are complications and mis-steps, tears and laughter - lots of it. And somehow, through it all, the dawning realization that the last place she thought she'd find herself could be just where she belongs.
❧❧❧❧❧❧
Of course there are other books that released or are releasing that interest me. I read All They Need by Sarah Mayberry, a contemporary category romance that released on November 1st. I also read and enjoyed the debut historical romance novel The Lady's Secret by Joanna Chambers (Tumperkin) which released on November 7th. And on November 22nd Saints Astray by Jacqueline Carey book #2 in her Santa Olivia series is finally releasing. What about you? Any books you can't wait to read in November?
A contemp from Jo Goodman! I had not known that. Just pre-ordered, so thank you! And I finished The Next Always the other day. I enjoyed it. It's like the Bride series with all the details about renovating and furnishing the inn, but then, I liked those books, too!
ReplyDeleteRight, Phyl? I was SO excited about this book by Jo Goodman, I couldn't wait to highlight it, lol! It's her first contemporary romance, so I have to read it. :D
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about The Next Always by NR, it was good and similar to the bride series with a surplus of construction and designing details in there this time. I liked the brothers. :)
So much goodness this month! Thanks for reminding me about the Mayberry. I had it on my list but forgot to check the darn list. LOL
ReplyDeleteLots of cool books this month and I love so many of the covers!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to The Next Always =)
Leslie, lots of good books in November. Always! I hope you enjoy the latest Mayberry, I read it as soon as it hit the stores. *g*
ReplyDeleteAlex yeah! Some great books. The Next Always was the first on my list and the first one read too. :D
I so need to get on and read The Iron Duke!
ReplyDeleteThat's a favorite book of mine, Orannia! Great world building.
ReplyDeleteWe were on the same page for November 1st :) I got all three and read two already :)
ReplyDeleteI think November is a bit boring. Many books, but not many that I'm dying for. The next release that I'm really looking forward to is Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep. And quite frankly, I'm done for this month :) I've pre-ordered everything online, so I just need to kick back and wait for the books to arrive LOL.
I'm going to look into the Jo Goodman because it's contemporary and cheap LOL.
Nath, yes... November 1st was a great day for first releases. Did you read the new one by Sarah Mayberry already?
ReplyDeleteAhh, Kiss of Frost. I still haven't tried Jennifer Estep. I have the first book in her other series and hope to get to it next year.
And yes! That's Goodman's first contemporary romance, so why not give it a shot? And lol on the inexpensive price for you... I'm glad about that too. :)
Nice month of releases for you, Hils!
ReplyDeleteLike orannia, I need to get my butt in gear and read The Iron Duke!
I've got my eye on a few Christmas reads that I'll probably be buying in the next couple of weeks. I need to organize my thoughts there.. lol
I have to say, the Jo Goodman contemporary sounds fun! I've added it to my list, too!
Are you going to review The Lady's Secret? I plan to buy that one, too. And YES! for Saints Astray by Jacqueline Carey. I actually looked for it at my library yesterday ... thought it was just out. lol
Happy November reading, Hils!
Christine, you haven't read The Iron Duke yet? I remember you loved The Greyfriar... I think you'll love The Iron Seas series. I didn't get a chance to read it this weekend, but I will hopefully get it read this week, sometime. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Goodman read looks great, I'm glad you'll read it too. And yes, I'm reaviewing The Lady's Secret. I really enjoyed it -- I think you're going to like that one. And yay! I can't wait to read Saints Astray!
Happy November to you too!