Carolyn's March Pre-Orders

This is going to be an expensive month for me, but it's worth it. And, after all, I don't have anything going for me but reading, so I don't feel too guilty about it. :-) 

I believe I've spoken before about how my most favorite authors have been so successful that they now command hardback prices and, well, you know how that works. The actual HB book may cost between $20-$30 but unfortunately the ebook reflects that price. $12-$15 for an ebook. Yeah.

There aren't many authors I'll buy during their HB season: Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Anne Bishop and Simone St. James are a few if not most of them and they all have releases in March. Others will have to wait until paperback prices kick in and are reflected in the ebook pricing.

Seems a damn shame a person has to keep a ledger to keep track of what books can be bought when.  Sheesh!

Here we go then. It's a very talented month!



1.  Book: Burn Bright
    Author: Patricia Briggs
    Publisher: Penguin Group
    Releases:  March 6, 2018
    Price:  $13.99

They are the wild and the broken. The werewolves too damaged to live safely among their own kind. For their own good, they have been exiled to the outskirts of Aspen Creek, Montana. Close enough to the Marrok's pack to have its support; far enough away to not cause any harm.

With their Alpha out of the country, Charles and Anna are on call when an SOS comes in from the fae mate of one such wildling. Heading into the mountainous wilderness, they interrupt the abduction of the wolf--but can't stop blood from being shed. Now Charles and Anna must use their skills--his as enforcer, hers as peacemaker--to track down the attackers, reopening a painful chapter in the past that springs from the darkest magic of the witchborn...

Love Patricia Briggs; love both her series. Long may she write. Don't particularly care for that cover, though.  

2.  Book: Lake Silence
     Author: Anne Bishop
     Publisher: Penguin Group
     Releases: March 5, 2018
     Price: $13.99

In this thrilling and suspenseful fantasy set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Others series, an inn owner and her shape-shifting lodger find themselves enmeshed in danger and dark secrets.

Human laws do not apply in the territory controlled by the Others--vampires, shape-shifters, and even deadlier paranormal beings. And this is a fact that humans should never, ever forget....

After her divorce, Vicki DeVine took over a rustic resort near Lake Silence, in a human town that is not human controlled. Towns such as Vicki's don't have any distance from the Others, the dominant predators who rule most of the land and all of the water throughout the world. And when a place has no boundaries, you never really know what is out there watching you.

Vicki was hoping to find a new career and a new life. But when her lodger, Aggie Crowe--one of the shape-shifting Others--discovers a murdered man, Vicki finds trouble instead. The detectives want to pin the death on her, despite the evidence that nothing human could have killed the victim. As Vicki and her friends search for answers, ancient forces are roused by the disturbance in their domain. They have rules that must not be broken--and all the destructive powers of nature at their command. 

Another great writer. Love her world of the Others and looking forward to more stories. BTW, really like this cover.  :-)

3.  Book: The Wolf Lord

     Author: Anne Aguirre

     Publisher: Self Published

     Releases: March 14, 2018

     Price: $2.99

Roguish. Reckless. Unreliable.

Raff Pineda has a certain reputation among the Animari. He’s the one to call if there’s a party starting, not the man to rely on when all hell breaks loose. Though he’s nominally the leader of the Pine Ridge pack, he defers to his second on the tough calls. Raff prefers to live fast and hard and keep his heart hidden, but a certain Eldritch princess won’t fall for his usual tricks, and their contract political marriage may be anything but convenient.

Ambitious. Elegant. Isolated.

Princess Thalia Talfayen may not have been raised by a witch in a tower, but she’s spent the last few decades locked up for a failed insurrection. Plotting and scheming come naturally to her; personal connections do not. Since she’s come this far in her unstoppable quest to claim the silver throne, she won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to unite her people, even if that means giving herself to the big bad wolf…

I believe this is the third book of the Ars Numina series. This series is not your usual shapeshifter stuff. Like the world building, very realistic. 

 

4.  Book: The Broken Girls

     Author: Simone St. James

     Publisher: Penguin Group

     Releases: March 20, 2018

     Price: 12.99

Vermont, 1950. There's a place for the girls whom no one wants—the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too smart for their own good. It's called Idlewild Hall. And in the small town where it's located, there are rumors that the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming—until one of them mysteriously disappears... 

Vermont, 2014. As much as she's tried, journalist Fiona Sheridan cannot stop revisiting the events surrounding her older sister's death. Twenty years ago, her body was found lying in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And though her sister's boyfriend was tried and convicted of murder, Fiona can't shake the suspicion that something was never right about the case.

When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during the renovations will link the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past—and a voice that won't be silenced...

Been following this author since her debut with "The Haunting of Mattie Clare". She is a true storyteller. 

                                         *****************

I don't suppose many will want to buy at these prices but I hope you'll write the titles down somewhere and check them out when the pricing changes or they have a sale. Good writers, good stories - can't ask for more.  :-)

Friday Fiction Fantasy "Boy" Friend: His Road Home by Anna Richland

It would truly help if my memory was in better working order. Seems like I forget a book almost as soon as I read it.

So, I was looking through the book collections on my Fire and came across Anna Richland's His Road Home. Once it was again brought to my attention, I remembered this book fondly; I've reread it several times. It's not a long book but you get a lot of bang for your buck (so to speak).

May I introduce my interpretation of SSG Reynaldo Cruz, medic in the 5th Special Forces Group, US Army.

When the book opens, Rey's performing simple dentistry on a village elder in Afghanistan, who is so grateful that he offers Rey his daughter in marriage. It would be very iffy to turn this offer down and once Rey recovers he tells the elder that he has a fiancee and he must regretfully decline this most wonderful gift. But the elder wants to see a picture of this woman and Rey is up shit creek because he's got nada.

He searches photos from his old high school on the internet and decides on a classmate of his older sister. What can it hurt? She'll never know. No one will ever know, only an old Afghani.

Uh ...

Wait a minute ...

Yeah, famous last words.

Grace Kim finds out she's engaged from calls from her friends, family and her boss. Yeah, Rey had printed out her picture and it was found on him when he came into contact with an IED and ends up a bilateral amputee and with expressive aphasia. Grace goes to Washington DC (she's from Seattle) to find out WTF??

And that is when the story really begins; I won't say more because - spoilers.  :-)

This is a gem of a book and Rey is a gem of a hero. I fell in book love with him because he doesn't moan and groan; he hunkers down and gets with the program to overcome his injuries. He has to learn a new way to live and he wants Grace to be part of it. He is a true hero and just about the most loveable man I've ever read about.

This is also a road story, as Grace accompanies Rey back home, driving across country in Rey's classic old car. Reading how they both adjust to Rey's injuries is inspiring and I like that there's no overwhelming lust making them jump each other's bones. This could be termed a slow burn romance, I guess, since Grace went on a cruise counting fish (she works at the National Marine Fisheries Service) while Rey was in rehab and then there was the long car trip. And they had some adventures along the way.

I highly recommend this book. It's not a long book but it's packed with feels and with people you'd like to know.

And the hero is a true hero.

Friday Fiction Fantasy Boyfriend

Motorcycle Man. By Kristin Ashley.

The book that launched her career, bought her a house and made a million women weak in the knees for a bossy, bearded motorcycle hunk with a heart of gold.

Tack originally was a turn-off for me. I hated the bossiness, the ownership. But Carolyn asked me to read it again and pay attention to Tack's story: his sister's death, his kids, his trying to bring the MC to a less criminal standing.

Tack and Chaos MC remain illegal (nobody wants a bad boy who isn't bad) but he becomes the hero of many dreams. He would kill for those he loves. And he's a great lover, a real family man and a book boyfriend worth having.

Trying to find a picture to embody Tack was almost impossible until I suddenly thought of Sam Elliott. Older, hot, laconic, on a motorcycle. Sam Elliott is the kind of man that you know makes sure his lover orgasms first, can whip up pancakes on a Sunday morning and would whoop the ass of anyone who messed with those he loves.

Happy

It's all about the love you find in your life. Husbands, children and friends.

When we leave this earth what we leave behind is how we touched people's hearts and lives.

I don't love easily and I rarely remain in love.

I love you Carolyn. Always will.

Happy Birthday.

Looking forward to another year of friendship, blogging and you.

Fantasy Fiction Fella Friday

This has been a hard one. I couldn't find a picture that fit the image carried in my mind and heart. I googled noses, I googled Italian noses; also big noses and Roman noses. Not very much luck. However the ones below came the closest (most of them, heh). 

May I introduce Sebastian Leslie Guy de Ath Ballister, Marquess of Dain, better known as The Lord of Scoundrels.

Don't even know who this guy is but he's handsome and looks historical, although Dain didn't wear chain mail. (Is that the guy that was in the Mummy movie?)

Now, this guy below has the body type I imagine for Dain. I just need Lea to color his hair for me, lol. Also, his nose isn't big enough.

See, that's the fascinating thing about this book: Dain thinks (thanks to his father) that he's monstrous, with a huge nose and big hands. Everything about him is too big and he hates himself and engages in self-destructive behavior in an effort to show he doesn't care, not at all. It's why he's so upset when the heroine, Jessica, calls him sensitive. Anyway, just pretend Chris is a brunette.

I don't know if multiple pics is what Lori had in mind, but I have a couple more. They're not big enough but they have the right coloring. And I know who one of them is! It's  Pierce Brosnan! Don't know the other guy. Unfortunately.

Still, this should give you some idea of Dain's attractiveness. 

In some ways he's still a little boy; he does bad things to give the finger to society and to show he doesn't care. But he does. And despite himself, he is fascinated with Jessica, who has no fear of him and cannot be intimidated. Their mantra is: "I should like to see you try!"

So, that's it. I did think of putting up a Carlos pic, but although he's the right coloring, he's just not tough enough looking.

I'm not sure just how many of these Fridays I can squeeze out, so we'll see. Lori might be on her own with this one, lol. 

Don't you just love good looking men??



(Gonna go ahead and post this 'cause it's Friday somewhere and my memory ... well, less said about that the better.)

Carolyn's February Pre-Orders.

February is a short month and so I have a fairly short list. It's a good list though!


1.  This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong
     Publisher: MacMillian
     Price:  $12.99
     Releasing: February 6, 2018

In This Fallen Prey, the next installment of New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong’s thriller series, Casey Duncan is about to face her toughest job as police detective in Rockton yet.

When Casey first arrived at the off-the-grid town, an isolated community built as a haven for people running from their pasts, she had no idea what to expect, with no cell phones, no internet, no mail, and no way of getting in or out without the town council’s approval. She certainly didn’t expect to be the homicide detective on two separate cases or to begin a romantic relationship with her boss. But the very last thing she expected was for the council to drop a dangerous criminal into their midst without a plan to keep him imprisoned, and to keep others safe.

Of course Oliver Brady claims he's being set up. But the longer Brady stays in town, the more things start to go wrong. When evidence comes to light that someone inside Rockton might be working as his accomplice, helping him to escape, Casey races to figure out who exactly Brady is and what crimes he’s truly responsible for committing. 

I believe this is the third book in this series and while the series is a little unusual, it certainly held my attention and I enjoyed the first two books. I expect to enjoy this one also.

2.  Survive the Night by Katie Ruggle

     Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

     Price:  $5.68

     Releasing: February 6, 2018

 He's always been a haven:

For the lost. The sick. The injured.
But when a hunted woman takes shelter in his arms, this gentle giant swears he'll do more than heal her battered spirit—he'll defend her with his life.

K9 Officer Otto Gunnersen always had a soft spot for anyone in need. As Monroe's very own Dr. Doolittle, he dedicates himself to rehabilitating the injured souls that cross his path—but for all his big heart, he's never been in love.

Until he meets Sarah Clifton's haunted eyes. Until he realizes he'll do anything to save her.

All Sarah wants is to escape a life caught between ambitious crime families, but there's no outrunning her past. Her power-mad brother would hunt her to the ends of the earth...but he'd never expect Sarah to fight back. With Otto and the whole of Monroe, Colorado by her side, Sarah's finally ready to face whatever comes her way.

It's time to take a stand. 

Another author whose writing I love, especially her heroes. Including dogs doesn't hurt either, lol. A complete autobuy for me.

3.  Brooklynaire by Sarina Bowen

     Publisher: Rennie Road Books

     Price: $3.99

     Release Date: February 12, 2018

You'd think a billion dollars, a professional hockey team and a six-bedroom mansion on the Promenade would satisfy a guy. You'd be wrong.

For seven years Rebecca has brightened my office with her wit and her smile. She manages both my hockey team and my sanity. I don't know when I started waking in the night, craving her. All I know is that one whiff of her perfume ruins my concentration. And her laugh makes me hard.

When Rebecca gets hurt, I step in to help. It's what friends do. But what friends don't do is rip off each others' clothes for a single, wild night together.

Now she's avoiding me. She says we're too different, and it can never happen again. So why can't we keep our hands off each other?

I buy just about everything Sarina Bowen writes. Love her writing, even if I am an old fart and she's known for NA! Hopefully, by the 12th it'll have a cover, lol.

4.  My Once and Future Duke by Caroline Linden

     Publisher: HarperCollins

     Price:  $5.99

     Releasing: February 27, 2018

  What happens at the infamous Vega Club . . .

Sophie Campbell is determined to be mistress of her own fate. Surviving on her skill at cards, she never risks what she can’t afford to lose. Yet when the Duke of Ware proposes a scandalous wager that’s too extravagant to refuse, she can’t resist. If she wins, she’ll get five thousand pounds, enough to secure her independence forever.

Stays at the Vega Club . . .

Jack Lindeville, Duke of Ware, tells himself he’s at the Vega Club merely to save his reckless brother from losing everything, but he knows it’s a lie. He can’t keep his eyes off Sophie, and to get her he breaks his ironclad rule against gambling. If he wins, he wants her—for a week.

Until now.

A week with Jack could ruin what’s left of Sophie’s reputation. It might even cost her her heart. But when it comes to love, all bets are off.

I have an up and down relationship with Ms Linden's books but this sounds like an interesting plot and the price will not break the bank.


5.  Hello Stranger by Lisa Kleypas
     Publisher: HarperCollins
     Price: $6.99
     Releases: February 27, 2018

 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas delivers a scintillating tale of an unconventional beauty who finds passion with the spy who can’t resist her

A woman who defies her time

Dr. Garrett Gibson, the only female physician in England, is as daring and independent as any man—why not take her pleasures like one? Yet she has never been tempted to embark on an affair, until now. Ethan Ransom, a former detective for Scotland Yard, is as gallant as he is secretive, a rumored assassin whose true loyalties are a mystery. For one exhilarating night, they give in to their potent attraction before becoming strangers again. 

A man who breaks every rule 

As a Ravenel by-blow spurned by his father, Ethan has little interest in polite society, yet he is captivated by the bold and beautiful Garrett. Despite their vow to resist each other after that sublime night, she is soon drawn into his most dangerous assignment yet. When the mission goes wrong, it will take all of Garrett’s skill and courage to save him. As they face the menace of a treacherous government plot, Ethan is willing to take any risk for the love of the most extraordinary woman he’s ever known.

I was going to pass this by but, oh hell, is IS Lisa Kleypas and I get twitchy when series aren't complete. So. So, it's in.  

            ******************************

And then, for a BP there is an end-of-January book ... I'm almost ashamed to admit to paying this price. But, oh well ... it's a present to me.  ;-D Yes, I'm still in love with Roarke and this plot sounds A-ok.

Dark in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel (In Death, Book 46) by J. D. Robb

Publisher: MacMillian

Price:  $14.99

Releasing: January 30, 2018

It was a stab in the dark.

On a chilly February night, during a screening of Psycho in midtown, someone sunk an ice pick into the back of Chanel Rylan’s neck, then disappeared quietly into the crowds of drunks and tourists in Times Square. To Chanel’s best friend, who had just slipped out of the theater for a moment to take a call, it felt as unreal as the ancient black-and-white movie up on the screen. But Chanel’s blood ran red, and her death was anything but fictional.

Then, as Eve Dallas puzzles over a homicide that seems carefully planned and yet oddly personal, she receives a tip from an unexpected source: an author of police thrillers who recognizes the crime—from the pages of her own book. Dallas doesn’t think it’s coincidence, since a recent strangulation of a sex worker resembles a scene from her writing as well. Cops look for patterns of behavior: similar weapons, similar MOs. But this killer seems to find inspiration in someone else’s imagination, and if the theory holds, this may be only the second of a long-running series.

The good news is that Eve and her billionaire husband Roarke have an excuse to curl up in front of the fireplace with their cat, Galahad, reading mystery stories for research. The bad news is that time is running out before the next victim plays an unwitting role in a murderer’s deranged private drama—and only Eve can put a stop to a creative impulse gone horribly, destructively wrong.

Okay, only two really expensive books. Not bad for a short month.

It's sorta sad, at least if you're a reader, how many series are now releasing in hardback. Which jacks up the prices on everything else. Nalini Singh, Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews, and now Anne Bishop - they're all in HB now. I had to start a list of books to keep track of their status. Eventually they'll come out in PB and I shall pounce.  :-)

Oh, who am I kidding? with the authors I listed there's no way I'll wait.

And have you noticed prices of well known authors have gone up too? Many more popular books selling at $8.99 and $9.99 now that used to be a couple or three dollars cheaper.

*sigh*

(I can't fix the heading of the Robb book; it just won't *take* even after multiple attempts. Sorry about that.)

Fantasy Fiction Fella Friday

So Carolyn and I were talking about our hot, book boyfriends and what we imagine they'd look like in real life. Which spurred our new, weekly post of Fantasy Fiction Fella Friday.

For me, the heroine-centric reader, choosing a book boyfriend is hard. But I immediately thought of Nick in Jennifer Crusie's Crazy for You.

Nick is a commitment-phobe, hot guy who is best friends with Quinn, works as a mechanic, the kind of man who would repair  your leaking pipes or broken fence, then make you a spaghetti dinner before he seduces your panties off.

He's playful. He's funny. He's self-deprecating.

The picture above is close to how I imagine him.

And by the way, if you haven't read Crazy for You, do it. It's my favorite romance ever.