Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is the start of a new trilogy from Sherry Thomas.  I have read a few of her previous works and while I didn't love them, there is a lot of good buzz about this new trilogy so I am getting excited to read them!  The first title is Beguiling the Beauty and will be released May 1st. Here is the goodreads.com summary:

 
 When the Duke of Lexington meets the mysterious Baroness von Seidlitz-Hardenberg aboard a transatlantic ocean liner, he is fascinated. She is exactly what he has been searching for—a beautiful woman who interests and entices him. He falls hard and fast—and soon proposes marriage.

And then she disappears without a trace…

For in reality, the “baroness” is Venetia Easterbrook—a proper young widow who had her own vengeful reasons for instigating an affair with the duke. But the plan has backfired. Venetia has fallen in love with the man she despised—and there’s no telling what might happen when she is finally unmasked…

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my can't-wait book is The Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley.  I finally just read the previous three books in this series over the past two weeks and really, really enjoyed them so now I am very eager for Hart's story and so happy it comes out in just a week!  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart.

Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.

Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.

  Sigh...I can't wait :)  If you have not read this series, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible!  All the glowing reviews are true and I can't believe I waited a few years to read them!  But at least my wait for this one is short :)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my can't wait for release is Undone by Lila DiPasqua. I have loved all of her Fiery Tales (steaming retellings of fairy tales) and I have no doubt her take on Rapunzel is going to be awesome!  She is self-publishing this one and we can expect it in April.  Goodreads says April 9th so I am really, really hoping for that date!  Here is the gorgeous cover and blurb from her website:

Inspired by the tale of Rapunzel, Lila DiPasqua offers a new steamy, emotionally charged historical romance in the acclaimed Fiery Tales Series . . . Rescuing this beauty from the ‘tower’ is only the beginning . . .

Maintaining her ruse as a commoner, and trusting no one has kept Christine safe. But a chance encounter with a handsome stranger lands her right where danger lies. Now, this sinfully handsome man with arresting blue eyes and a polished manner thinks he’s saved her life, when in fact he’s placed her in great peril. She’s intent on keeping him and everyone else at arm’s length. Yet, the smoldering attraction between them is difficult to deny. And impossible to ignore . . .

As commander of a number of privateer ships, Simon Boulenger dresses and speaks like an aristocrat, and has obtained wealth. But he is still not a noble. Or an officer in the King’s Navy. His lifelong dream to elevate himself from his station of birth and attain a respectable place in society is dead. Worse, he’s ensnared in deadly scheme, and must get out. But how is he to stay focused on his dangerous mission when the mysterious beauty has him utterly intrigued? He can’t afford the distraction any more than he can resist the carnal hunger she stirs. Simon soon discovers that she’s not only a passionate soul mate, but a woman born into privilege. A woman he can never have. But they’re in too deep. Their hearts are at risk . . . as well as their lives.

 Sigh, I can't wait! :)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week by can't wait for release is Be My Prince by Julianne MacLean.  I'm not going to lie...the cover has really drawn me in for this one!  I love purple :)  But the summary sounds good too:


Attention one and all. His Royal Highness, Prince Randolph of Petersbourg, will set sail for London in early June and reside at St. James Palace for one full month…Some say the true motive for the prince’s visit to our fair country is to seek and marry his future queen. I will therefore pose the question to our devoted and reflective readers: Who among us will be the chosen one? —From the London Ballroom Society Pages

Lady Alexandra Monroe has been told in no uncertain terms that she must set her sights on a proposal from Prince Randolph to better her family’s situation. Instead, she finds herself falling for his charming but dangerous younger brother Nicholas, a man whose passionate nature—and irresistible good looks—makes it impossible to remember her duty. But while she is torn between ambition and desire, a wicked scandal brews, shocking secrets are revealed, and soon she begins to wonder: can true love really conquer all?

I enjoy stories about royalty so this trilogy looks like it is going to be right up my alley.  It releases April 24th.  How about you...do you enjoy stories with royalty?  And do you not just love this cover? :)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my anticipated release is Wedded in Scandal by Jade Lee and releases March 6th.  Here is the summary from her website:

The dazzling wedding of fashions of A Lady’s Favor dress shop are guaranteed to make any girl the talk of the ton. But the brides aren’t the only ones falling in love….


Lady Helaine’s father was cast out of society as a liar and a thief—a scandal which renders her unfit for marriage. In order to provide for herself and her mother, she adopts an assumed name and runs a dressmaker’s shop that specializes in bridal wear for ladies of high society. Helaine is happiest immersed in silk and satin, but she lives in terror that someone will learn her true identity and she will lose everything…again.


Robert Percy, Viscount Redhill, is entranced with the mysterious Helaine and weaves a web of seduction sure to ensnare the delectable dress designer. Yet too late he learns the heartbreaking truth about who she used to be. Now he must find a way to overcome the past to claim Helaine as his own. But what chance has love when a secret mistress becomes a scandalous wife?

I really like stories where they involve dressmakers so this series sounds like it is going to be right up my alley.  There is also a novella that is currently out now and if you go to Jade Lee's website, you can download it for free.  Click here.  I'm not sure how long she will be offering this deal so grab it if it sounds good to you!  Here is the summary for Engaged in Wickedness:

WILD CHILD

Lady Gwendolyn is playing with fire. She has a habit of wandering into illicit places with gentlemen just to see how well they kiss. It’s dangerous, but she can’t seem to stop herself and no one in her family is up to the task either.

THE QUIET ONE
 
Sir Edward Murray is the man who can tame her. He may be just a country baronet, in town for a spell then gone, but the vivacious Lady Gwen draws him as no other. So he devises a carefully plotted campaign to capture the lady as his own. But he never guesses the depth of the lady’s spirit or the power of her passion.
 
SECRETS!

Why is Lady Gwen risking herself and her reputation with her scandalous forays? When Edward uncovers the truth, he is caught in his own stratagems. She figures out his deceit and may never forgive him. Can Edward convince her that some things aren’t as wicked as they seem? And that love is the wildest ride of all?

And one more bonus treat, there is a book trailer for you to enjoy too!  What about you?  Do you like book trailers?  I do :)  Do you like books where the heroine/hero has a profession?  I find it makes it a bit more fascinating during the Regency period.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is from the ever talented Julia Quinn. A Night Like This is book two in the Smythe-Smith Quartet and while I have not read all of Julia Quinns works, from what I have read I know I can count on a light, humorous, enjoyable read.  And don't we all need those kinds of reads?  Just something easy to read to escape real life :)  And look at the pretty cover that was released this past week!  I love the blue with the pop of pink for the shoe--I am hoping there is a pink shoe involved as with the red shoe from the cover of Just Like Heaven played a role in the book.  This one releases May 29th.  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

 Three years ago, Daniel Smythe-Smith shot a man in a duel and was forced to flee the country. He used to be a devil-may-care charmer, but after three years of being quite literally hunted, he is wary and on edge. Now he's back in London and, on the night of his arrival, attends the annual Smythe-Smith musicale, where he notices that the young woman at the piano is definitely not his cousin. 

Anne Shawcross made a terrible mistake at the age of sixteen. Ruined by the son of the most important family in the district, she changed her last name and left home, eventually becoming the governess to the Earl of Pleinsworth's three daughters. When Sarah Pleinsworth takes ill the night of the musicale, Anne is asked to step in. Could Sarah be the woman to save Daniel and his wounded heart? New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn's enchanting second novel in the Smythe-Smith quartet is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings in equal measures.

(I think the line  'Could Sarah be the woman to save Daniel and his wounded heart?' should be 'Could Anne be the woman..' but I'm not sure.  I didn't see a summary on Julia Quinns website to confirm, but that would make more sense to me.)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is the third in Charlotte Featherstone's The Breathren Guardians series and there has been plenty of build up in the first two books!  I am so anxious to read this one and delve into this couples past and see their happiness finally arrive.  Look for Temptation & Twilight June 19th!  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

Iain Sinclair, Marquis of Alynwick, is certain there is a special hell for him. An unrepentant rake, he holds nothing sacred – except for beautiful Elizabeth York. For years, Alynwick has tried to forget the woman he loved so well, and treated so badly. A woman who could hold nothing in her heart for him except hatred.

All of society believes Elizabeth, blind daughter of a duke, to be a proper young lady. But no one knows of her wanton affair with Alynwick. When Lizzy learns of her ancestor’s ancient diary – filled with exotic tales – she longs to uncover the identity of the unnamed lover within and hesitantly allows Alynwick, who claims to have knowledge of the “veiled lady,” to help her solve the mystery.

Eager to be Lizzy’s eyes, Alynwick brings the seductive text to life, and each night it takes greater effort for her to forget his betrayal. With each whispered word, her resolve gives way, without her knowing that a centuries-old secret will lead them to a present-day danger.

I really enjoy books with a scarred hero or heroine and I already know that Elizabeth is strong and independent despite her blindness so I am looking forward to her making Alynwick fall to his knees :)  

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling (out April 1st).  I really enjoyed the previous two books as they were fun and a delight to read.  Here is the goodreads.com summary:


SCANDALOUS DESIRES . . .

Amy Hardwick has one last Season to shake off her wallflower image and make a love match. If she can't, she'll set aside her dreams of romance and return home to a suitor who can provide security-if little else. What she doesn't count on is the inappropriate-and irresistible-attention lavished on her in a darkened library by rake extraordinaire Will "The Devil" Darcett . . .

DEVILISH DELIGHT

When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton's shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn't simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he's mended his wicked ways . . .

I enjoy a good forced engagement/marriage storyline and there has been a bit of a build up for Will and Amy's story in the previous books so that makes me a bit more anxious for it.  (But I'm sure you could read it as a standalone).  I also love the cover...the yellow background is very eye catching and the pretty blue of her dress....and oh yes, the abs of steel :)


What about you?  Have you read Vicky Dreiling before?  Or do you enjoy the forced engagement/marriage storyline?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is a book I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of and I am just itching to read it now.  An Affair with Mr. Kennedy is Jillian Stones debut release and it will be available January 31st.  And hello gorgeous cover! I looove that he is looking right at you and it is just saying 'danger and passion' to me.  Here is the blurb from the authors site (which is also gorgeous and you should check out!)

London, 1887. Part stoic gentleman, part fearless Yard man, Zeno “Zak” Kennedy is an enigma of the first order. For years, the memory of a deadly bombing at King’s Cross has haunted the brilliant Scotland Yard detective. His investigation has zeroed in on a ring of aristocratic rebels whose bloody campaign for Irish revolution is terrorizing the city. When he discovers one of the treacherous lords is acquainted with his free-spirited new tenant, Cassandra St. Cloud, his inquiry pulls him unexpectedly close to the heart of the conspiracy and into the arms of a most intriguing lady.

     And Cassie is no Victorian prude. An Impressionist painter with very modern ideas about life and love, she is eager for a romantic escapade that is daring and discreet. She sets her sights on her dour but handsome landlord, but after she learns their meeting was not purely accidental, she hardly has a chance to forgive her lover before their passionate affair catapults them both into a perilous adventure.

Sounds pretty good right?? :)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is the upcoming debut from Manda Collins, How to Dance with a Duke which releases on January 31st, 2012.  I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this so I'm anxious to start it!  I really like the cover...it seems so simple and sexy at the same time.  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

What’s a wallflower to do when she’s suddenly in need of a husband? Use all the pluck and moxie she can muster to get what she wants…

Miss Cecily Hurston would much rather explore the antiquities of Egypt than the uncharted territory of marriage. But the rules of her father’s exclusive academic society forbid her entrance unless she weds one of its members. To clear her ailing father’s name of a scandalous rumor, Cecily needs to gain admission into the Egyptian Club—and is willing to marry any old dullard to do it.

Lucas Dalton, Duke of Winterson, is anything but dull. He’s a dashing and decorated war hero determined to help Cecily—even if that means looking the other way when she claims the dance card of Amelia Snow, this season’s most sought-after beauty. But Lucas has a reason for wanting Cecily to join the Egyptian Club: His brother went missing during one of Lord Hurston’s expeditions to Egypt. An alliance with the explorer’s bluestocking daughter could bring Lucas closer to the truth about what happened…or it could lead him to a more dangerous love than either he or Cecily could have imagined….

It sounds rather interesting, doesn't it?  It seems a bit different than most of the historicals out there as it seems the focus is on this Egyptian Club.  Its always nice to read something a bit different so I hope it is good :)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is the final book in Sabrina Jeffries The Hellions of Halstead Hall series, A Lady Never Surrenders. I just picked up To Wed a Wild Lord and am happy to see the that A Lady will be out Jan 24th.  I love when the wait between books is short, especially when it concludes a fun series and has a couple that we have seen sparks flying in previous books :)  Here is the goodreads.com summary:


When the youngest Sharpe sister hatches a plan to gain marriage offers, the straight-laced Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter knows he'll do whatever it takes to ruin her scheme...

Lady Celia Sharpe hopes that if she can garner offers of marriage from several eligible gentlemen and show her grandmother she is capable of gaining a husband, she can convince Gran to rescind the marriage ultimatum for her. And if that plan doesn’t work, at least she’ll have a husband lined up. But Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter seems determined to ruin her plans by disapproving of every suitor she asks him to investigate. It’s only when she and Jackson work together to solve her parents’ murders, plunging them both into danger, that she realizes why—because the only man he wants her to marry is himself!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is Forever Mine by Delilah Marvelle.  I really enjoy Ms Marvelles stories for their unique heros and heroines and storylines.  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

London, 1802
Lady Augustine Jane Ascott longs for a man who will do more than offer his hand in marriage. She wants a husband she can trust, someone who will shield her from the darkness of the world. Her heart was broken when her little brother was kidnapped years earlier, and she still carries the pain of his loss.

When the handsome Duke of Wentworth makes his feelings for her known, Augustine's past demons warn her away. Besides, every woman in London knows he's devoted to the memory of his late wife. But is it possible he cares for her after all—and that their love can bring them the peace they both crave?

And do you want to the best part??  Thie e-novella is going to be FREE.  Yes, free!!  Look for it on December 1st.  (It is a prequel to her January release, Forever and a Day.)

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is book two in Christina Brookes Ministry of Marriage series, Mad about the Earl. I really enjoyed the first book, Heiress in Love, and the whole concept of the Ministry of Marriage and I am looking forward to that being, hopefully, explained more in the newest book.  And again, it has a very eye catching cover.  Look for this on January 3rd~

Goodreads.com summary:

Designed to arrange matches of rank and affluence, the powerful Ministry of Marriage has no interest in love. But when does the heart ever play by the rules? 

 Lady Rosamund Westruther has no objection to the match arranged for her by the Ministry—until she meets her intended. Gruff, stubborn Griffin, Earl of Tregarth, is hardly the charming nobleman the classic beauty has dreamed of for so long. While a proper lady can’t cry off, she can demand a proper courtship …

Griffin is aware of his duty to wed—and more convinced than ever that the lovely Rosamund has no place with a man like him. Built for fields and stables rather than drawing rooms, Griffin doubts he can win her in the polite manner society requires. But with every passing day, the attraction between them flares higher and hotter. Maybe there is more to love than meets the eye…

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my choice is one of the many December 27th releases, The Duke Is Mine by Eloisa James.  This is going to be loosely based on the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, as you can probably guess by the cover.  This is the third in her Happily Ever Afters series but each can be read as a stand alone.  I have read the previous two books in this series, A Kiss at Midnight and When Beauty Tamed the Beast, and really enjoyed them for their light, fun quality so I am really looking forward to a new one.  Plus, I love a retelling of a fairy tale and I always look forward to those :)

Goodreads.com summary:  
He is a duke in search of a perfect bride. She is a lady—but a long way from perfect.

Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…

Unless it’s already too late

This sexy, witty version of The Princess and the Pea turns the classic fairy tale into an enticing, funny, and moving romance

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

My pick this week is an e-novella from Tessa Dare in her Spindle Cove series, Once Upon a Winter's Eve.  I just recently finished the first book in this series, A Night to Surrender, and was quite happy with it as it was my first Tessa Dare novel and then when I saw she was self publishing a novella just in time for the holidays, well, thats just a win for me :)  And another win for me?  Its up for preorder on Amazon for just 99 cents!  My favorite price, well besides free :)  I have seen a couple early reviews and it looks to be a quick, delightful read.

Here is the goodreads.com summary:

A Spindle Cove Novella

Some wallflowers bloom at night...

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my pick is Unraveled which is book three in the Turner series by Courtney Milan.  I have loved the previous two and a half books, Unveiled, Unlocked and Unclaimed, and I can not wait for Smites story!  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

Smite Turner is renowned for his single-minded devotion to his duty as a magistrate. But behind his relentless focus lies not only a determination to do what is right, but the haunting secrets of his past—secrets that he is determined to hide, even if it means keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Until the day an irresistible woman shows up as a witness in his courtroom…

Miranda Darling isn’t in trouble…yet. But she’s close enough that when Turner threatens her with imprisonment if she puts one foot wrong, she knows she should run in the other direction. And yet no matter how forbidding the man seems on the outside, she can’t bring herself to leave. Instead, when he tries to push her away, she pushes right back—straight through his famous self-control, and into the heart of the passion that he has long hidden away…

Courtney Milan is self publishing this story and I know that has caused a bit of a uproar but authors need to do what is best for them (Ashley March is also going this route in the future).  As I have a Kindle its all good to me but I know its frustrating for some fans.  Anyways, Ms Milan says we can hopefully look for Unraveled by the end of November!  
What about you?  Have you read the very talented Courtney Milan and plan to follow her into self publishing?  Or are you on the fence about authors taking the self publish route?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week by WoW title is A Lady Awakened, the debut novel from Cecilia Grant releasing Dec 27th.  Here is the goodreads.com summary:

Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate and beloved servants from her malevolent brother-in-law, Martha Russell conceives a daring plan. Or rather, a daring plan to conceive. After all, if she has an heir on the way, her future will be secured. Forsaking all she knows of propriety, Martha approaches her neighbor, a London exile with a wicked reputation, and offers a strictly business proposition: a month of illicit interludes . . . for a fee.

Theophilus Mirkwood ought to be insulted. Should be appalled. But how can he resist this siren in widow’s weeds, whose offer is simply too outrageously tempting to decline? Determined she’ll get her money’s worth, Theo endeavors to awaken this shamefully neglected beauty to the pleasures of the flesh—only to find her dead set against taking any enjoyment in the scandalous bargain. Surely she can’t resist him forever. But could a lady’s sweet surrender open their hearts to the most unexpected arrival of all . . . love?

This book has quite a lot going for it...it has a beautiful cover and quite a bit of high praise from high profile authors such as Eloisa James and Mary Balogh so that makes me very eager to read it!  It has a very interesting premise and I am very anxious to see if Ms Grant can deliver a wonderful HEA!  Lots of awesome books coming out on Dec 27th but this is one at the top of my list! 

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

This week my can't wait for title is by the one and only Julie James, one of my favorite contemporary author!  She just released the upcoming cover for About That Night on her website so it seems a fitting choice for me this week.  Only April is a long, long time away!!  Here is the summary from her website:

He’s playing games.
Though Rylann Pierce tried to fight the sparks she felt for billionaire heir Kyle Rhodes the night they met, their sizzling chemistry was undeniable. But after being stood up on their first date, Rylann never expected to see him again. So when she finds herself face-to-face with Kyle in a courthouse nine years later, she’s stunned. More troubling to the beautiful assistant U.S. attorney is that she’s still wildly attracted to him.
But she’s making the rules.

Just released from prison, Kyle Rhodes isn’t thrilled to be the star witness in a high-profile criminal case—but when Rylann comes knocking at his door, he finds she may be the one lawyer he can’t say no to. Still as gorgeous and sharp-tongued as ever, she lays down the law: she doesn’t mix business with pleasure. But Kyle won’t give up on something he wants—and what he wants is the one woman he’s never forgotten. . 

If you have not read Julie James I urge you to try her!!  She is one of the highlights in contemporary romance and I am so looking forward to Kyles story (who is a Sawyer look alike!).  

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

 This week, my pick is a book I have been dying for for months now and it finally being released in just three more looong weeks!  The build up to this story from the previous two books in the series, Wicked Intentions and Notorious Pleasures, has had me chomping for this book since I finished the previous one months ago.  Here is the summary from Elizabeth Hoyts website:

Can a pirate learn . . . River Pirate ‘Charming’ Mickey O’Connor has lifted himself from the depths of the slums to be the King of St. Giles. Anything he wants he gets—with one exception. Silence Hollingbrook has been haunting his dreams ever since she spent a single night in his bed.
That the only true treasure . . .
Once Silence was willing to sacrifice anything to save the man she loved. Now a widow, she’s finally found peace when Charming Mickey comes storming back into her life with an offer she can’t refuse. But this time she won’t be the only one paying the price for his sins.
Lies in a woman's heart?
When his past comes back to torment him, Mickey must keep Silence safe from a merciless enemy, while wrestling with the delicious hold this widow has on his heart. And in the face of mounting danger, both will have to surrender to something even more terrifying . . . true love.

See, I read the preview in the back of the last book, something I rarely do and this is why.  It makes you want the next book now and you have to wait and wait and wait.  The chemistry between Charming Mickey and Silence is going to be off the charts, I just know it.  I can not wait to read this story and see how it all plays out.  And phew, the step back for this cover??  See. thats how I know its going to be smokin ;)  Looking forward to a delicious, hot pirate story with a strong willed woman who fall for each other in a most satisfying way from one of my favorite historical authors!  What about you?  Have you read anything by the uber-talented Elizabeth Hoyt?  Are you just dying for this book as well?

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a a weekly blog hop hosted by Breaking the Spine where we all mention one upcoming book release we are waiting for.

 This week I have another two-fer special :)  I have been reading In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks and really enjoying it!  It is my first Highlander book and so far so good!  So my waiting on Wednesday title(s) are the two upcoming books for this trilogy.  First, on Sept 27th is Seduction of a Highland Lass (which I just got at WalMart today, squee!) and then on Oct 25th comes Never Love a Highlander.

Here are the smokin covers and the goodreads.com blurbs:


A warrior is caught between family loyalty and forbidden love in book two of bestselling author Maya Banks’s sensual new trilogy featuring three indomitable Highlanders.
Fiercely loyal to his elder brother, Alaric McCabe leads his clan in the fight for their birthright. Now he is prepared to wed for duty, as well. But on his way to claim the hand of Rionna McDonald, daughter of a neighboring chieftain, he is ambushed and left for dead. Miraculously, his life is saved by the soft touch of a Highland angel, a courageous beauty who will put to the test his fealty to his clan, his honor, and his deepest desires.An outcast from her own clan, Keeley McDonald was betrayed by those she loved and trusted. When the wounded warrior falls from his horse, she is drawn to his strong, lean body. The wicked glint in his green eyes ignites a passion that will follow them back to Alaric’s keep, where their forbidden love draws them deeper into the pleasures of the flesh. But as conspiracy and danger circle closer, Alaric must make an impossible choice: Will he betray his blood ties for the woman he loves?

 In a tale of strong ties and true love, Maya Banks’s trilogy comes to its stunning conclusion, as the youngest McCabe brother uses sword and seduction to save his clan—and seal his heart.
Caelen McCabe’s young, reckless heart nearly destroyed his clan. Now, putting family loyalty above all else, he steps up to marry his older brother’s jilted bride and salvage the uneasy alliance between two clans. While beautiful Rionna McDonald is a fit wife for any man, Caelen trusts no woman, especially not this sweet temptress who torments him with white-hot longing.As the sacrificial lamb in her father’s power game, Rionna will do her duty but vows to protect her heart and her pride from humiliation. Despite everything, though, the heat in Caelen’s touch melts her defenses, and she craves the sensual delights of a husband who guards his emotions as fiercely as his clan. But when the ultimate battle for the McCabe legacy is upon them, Rionna’s true warrior spirit emerges. She will risk the wrath of her father, the fury of her enemies, and her life to prove to Caelen that his wife’s love is too precious to lose.

I can't wait to finish up In Bed... and get started on the next one right away!  These are my first Highlander books and I think Maya Banks has done an excellent job so far.  The men are fierce and loyal to their clan and the women are the same mix of fierceness and boldness.  I love that I can already see how the stories are connected through the brothers.  So for my first dip into the Highlander pool I think I am doing ok :)  How about you?  Do you enjoy Highlander stories?  Any other recommendations (besides Jennifer Ashleys trio out so far, which I have heard awesome things about already and own and will get to soon)?