Hey everyone!! Here is this week’s latest new list of books!! Happy reading 😀
*** HIGHLIGHTS ***
*** NEWEST REVIEW & RECOMMENDATION ***
- The Man I Love by Suanne Laqueur (My Review)– so unique and well-written!! Details here!
*** MORE RECENT TOP FAVORITES *** These are highly recommended!!
- Never Let You Go by Katy Regnery (Read my Review)
- King by T.M. Frazier (Read my Review)
- A Pound of Flesh by Sophie Jackson (Read my Review)
- Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley (Read my Review)
*** NEW RELEASES *** These are all now live!!
- More Than Water by Renee Ericson — coworkers/opposites attract romance
- The Girl I Was Before by Ginger Scott — contemporary romance
- Sloth: A Sinful Secrets Novel by Ella James — erotic romance/dark mystery
- STOP! by Alison G Bailey — contemporary romance standalone
- Wasted Lust by JA Huss — dark romantic suspense standalone (spin-off of 321)
- Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway — unique romance
- Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti — she’s a cop, he’s a badass biker
- Last First Kiss by Lia Riley — second chance romance
- Fighting For Forever by JB Salsbury — fighter romance
- Shattered By You by Nashoda Rose — friends-to-lovers rock star romance/dark
- True Devotion by Liora Blake — rock star romance (standalone sequel to True North)
- Making Ends Meet by Anna Clifton — he’s a single dad, she’s his new nanny
- Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey — romantic suspense (he’s an ex-soldier)
- On My Knees by J. Kenner — Stark trilogy
- One To Chase by Tia Louise — erotic contemporary (office) romance
*** TV & MOVIE SHOW NEWS ***
- Check down below the new releases for 3 upcoming TV show/movie announcements!
*** EXCITING NEWS *** I was so honored to learn that the CEO of Goodreads wrote an article about “How to Work with Influencers to Drive Book Discovery” (read article) where he made a significant mention of my blog. Very exciting and again, such a great honor!!
“For romance authors, a great review from Aestas can rocket a book up the charts. Aestas reviewed The Life Intended on May 2, 2015, a good five months after the initial flurry of buzz around the title when it was published in December 2014. Nevertheless, Aestas Book Blog’s review drove… a 200x increase on the number of daily adds compared to the average during the previous month. It’s the kind of kickstart that can bring a book out of obscurity and into the limelight.”
*** NEW REVIEW & RECOMMENDATION ***
The Man I Love by Suanne Laqueur (Read my Review)
WOW!!! I just finished this book and LOVED it!! The WRITING was truly exquisite! It was a very slow-building, detailed story, but one where EVERY detail matters. Everything was connected and had DEPTH. It was vivid and powerful and completely UNIQUE. It told a love story that spanned 10-15 years, but didn’t follow ANY rules. Normally that would be scary to me but the way that everything was portrayed made me really *get* where these characters came from. And I was honestly blown away by how much I FELT and how BEAUTIFULLY it was written. It’s like I lived the story with them. It just felt REAL. Highly recommended!
The story is about a college freshman who falls in love with a beautiful dancer. But “when a disturbed friend brings a gun into the theater, six lives are lost and she is left seriously injured, her professional dreams shattered. Traumatized by the experience, the lovers spiral into depression and drug use until a shocking act of betrayal destroys their relationship. To survive, he must leave school and disconnect from all he loves. He buries his heartbreak and puts the past behind. Or so he believes…
As he moves into adulthood, he comes to grips with his role in the shooting, and slowly heals the most wounded parts of his soul. But the unresolved grief for her continues to shape his dreams at night. Once those dreams were haunted by blood and gunfire. Now they are haunted by the refrain of a song and a single question: is leaving always the end of loving?
Spanning fifteen years, The Man I Love explores themes of love and sexuality, trauma and its long-lasting effects, the burden of unfinished business and the power of reconciliation. Through his experience we reflect on what it means to be a man, a son and a leader. A soul mate, a partner and a lover. What it means to live the truth of who you are and what you feel. What it means to fight for what you love.”
Note: this can be read as a standalone, but there’s also a second book available for readers who want more (it’s the girl’s POV) and it’s new. Here are both: #1 The Man I Love, #2 Give Me Your Answer True.
*** THIS WEEK’S NEW RELEASES ***
The Girl I Was Before by Ginger Scott — New Release!!
This is a new standalone in a series of highly-rated standalones! — “He wasn’t part of my plan. But I’m starting to think plans are overrated… He’s my fairytale. He’s perfectly imperfect. He’s poetry and life. He’s truth and heartbreak, all rolled up in a tall body with dark hair, broad shoulders and green eyes that lull me into submission. He’s the only guy I’ve ever really loved, and he thinks I’m a princess. I fell into him, and now I’m holding on… But sometimes life takes away our ability to choose. My only hope is that when it comes time to choose, I get it right… Welcome to my once upon a time and wish for happily ever after.”
More Than Water by Renee Ericson — New Release!!
I love the sound of this “opposites attract” romance!! It seems to be a standalone.
— She’s an art history major, dates musicians. He’s a chemical engineering major, can’t sing a tune. They’re not each other’s type. They’re coworkers. Then, one night leads to sex – sex between friends -which leads to an agreement. It all seems so simple—but nothing ever is… Many layers build a person’s facade. Look into the depths for what’s hidden within. It’s more than water. It’s a story—a living and breathing substance beyond the reflective surface.
Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway — New Release!!
This is a new YA romance/coming of age standalone! I just read a bunch of quotes from it and I love the writing! And the story really grabbed me too!! The hero and heroine were best friends and neighbors as kids until the hero’s father kidnapped him after school one day when he was just 7 years old. She was left behind, dealing with the loss of her best friend and suddenly extremely over-protective parents… And then, 10 years later, he’s found and comes home. — “He looked like a stranger, and then he met my glance, and it was like I had never stopped seeing him.”
Sloth: A Sinful Secrets Novel by Ella James — New Release!!
This huge 500 page book is an erotic romance/dark mystery…
— “She saves my life. She doesn’t even know it. We’ve never even seen each other. But she becomes mine… The anonymity is good. She doesn’t need to know me, but I need her kindness. We both live our lives: a letter here, a post card there. For three years, I escape my demons. And then one day I’m pulled back in. I’ve resigned myself to what I know is coming. Until the girl I’m spanking gives her safe word… And then the lie I’m living starts to unravel.”
STOP! by Alison G Bailey — New Release!!
“She has a plan—college, career, boyfriend, love, marriage, family. A predictable, normal life. She’s on track until an outside force causes her to crash and burn… Risher Stevenson is intelligent, caring, sweet, and the hottest boy she has ever laid eyes on. He fits perfectly into her original plan for a normal life. Everyone loves him… Benton Daniels is intelligent, caring, sweet, and the bravest boy she has ever met. He doesn’t fit into her life but gives it purpose and makes it extraordinary. Everyone hates him… One is bullied. One is tormented. All are judged. How will it stop?”
Wasted Lust by JA Huss — New Release!!
This is a romantic suspense standalone (spin-off of 321).
“She died the night she let him walk out on her for a life of crime. Her very essence was destroyed when they broke their promise to one another… He made his choice with her future in mind. He loved her enough to know that leaving her behind was the only way to keep her safe. But someone else understands the bond of love and he plans to use it to get justice. They will do anything to rewrite their past. He’s counting on that to bring them down.”
Fighting For Forever by JB Salsbury — New Release!!
Fighter alert!! This is the latest Fighting Series book!
“My life had direction. I had a mission, until the man I needed vanished and is presumed dead. It’s time to move on, give up the dream for revenge, and no one shows me that more than the fighter with eyes the color of the ocean. If anyone can teach me just how sweet life can be, it’s him… Fighting could kill us both, but if we win, forever is the prize. “
True Devotion by Liora Blake — New Release!!
Rock star alert!! This is the second “True” standalone following True North)
— She’s is a feisty blonde, and he’s the arrogant, sexy guitarist playing in her brother’s band. When they met for the first time, it went something like this: He hit on her, she shot him down, he made a lewd joke, she told him he was an idiot… In the two years since then, not much has changed. From the way he flirts shamelessly with any set of ovaries within a 100-mile radius, he knows the smartest thing she can do is keep an impenetrable wall between them. But sometimes the smart choice isn’t necessarily the right one…
Wicked Ride by Rebecca Zanetti — New Release!!
This is a PNR biker romantic suspense novel!!
— She’s a hard-fighting, heat-packing Seattle vice cop, and she’s not much interested in being protected. He’s a fresh import from Dublin, and he’s landed at the heart of a vicious motorcycle club that deals in guns, narcotics, and mayhem. He’s all male, all rough power—and all interference in her damn investigation. Maybe he’s one of the good guys. Maybe not. She knows an affair with an immortal like him would risk everything. No matter how delicious he looks…
On My Knees by J. Kenner — New Release!!
This is the second book in the Stark Trilogy (book #1: Say My Name)
Powerful, ambitious, and devastatingly sexy, Jackson Steele was unlike any other man I’d ever known. He went after what he wanted with his whole mind, body, and soul—and I was the woman in his sights. One touch and I surrendered, one night together and I was undone… We had secrets, dark pieces of our pasts, but in our passion we found salvation, and in each other’s arms we found release…
Up In Smoke by Tessa Bailey — New Release!!
Romantic suspense fans! This can be read as a standalone.
He’s supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he’s spent the last two years working as a street enforcer for his cousin’s crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he’s now working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team-all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair, his notorious iron control slips. She hates authority but she’s forced to operate on the “right” side of the law [and] something behind the sexy ex-soldier’s eyes ignites desire that could get them both killed…”
Making Ends Meet by Anna Clifton — New Release!!
He’s a single dad, she’s the new nanny and this book is described as a “sweet, emotional, beautiful romance about a man whose life has been derailed and the unexpected woman who can help him get it back on track.”
She’s the only one who can reach his troubled daughter, who can bring some measure of peace to his home. But as she advances her mission to fix his life, a few things become clear: his ex-wife might not be the answer, and she just might be…
Shattered By You by Nashoda Rose — New Release!!
A friends-to-lovers ROCK STAR romance with dark elements. Part of the Tear Assunder series. — “He’s cocky, rude, a total man-whore. But the rock star has far more beneath the surface of his inked skin, and he’s determined to make me laugh again. He made me a “deal”, but really, it was blackmail. His terms were simple. Until his playful honesty [led] to something unexpected. Something strong enough to pull me from the eye of the storm. Because even though I escaped years of abuse, it didn’t mean I was free…”
Last First Kiss by Lia Riley — New Release!!
This is a second chance romance!
— Sawyer has always regretted letting the first girl he loved slip away. He won’t make the same mistake twice, but can he convince beautiful, wary Annie to trust her heart again when she’s been given every reason not to? And as a single kiss turns to so much more, can Annie give up her idea of perfect for a forever that’s blissfully real?
One To Chase by Tia Louise — New Release!!
This is a standalone erotic romance novel!
He doesn’t chase women. He doesn’t have to. But when the spirited and sexy blonde who left him wanting more shows up in his office looking for work, little things like the rules seem ready to be rewritten… She’s smart, ambitious, and back home in Chicago to care for her mother. A courtesy meeting with one of the top lawyers in the city should be a boost to her career… Until the polished green-eyed player turns out to be the same irresistible “random” she hooked up with at a friend’s wedding. Bonus: He’s the brother of her older brother’s new wife…
*** TV & MOVIE DEAL NEWS ***
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Read my Review)
MOVIE DEAL NEWS!!! Squee!!! This book is one of my 5-star favorite books this year and it was optioned for film recently but it was just announced today that the deal was officially closed for the film to be produced by TriStar Pictures!!! I’m SO freaking excited for this to happen. This story is EPIC and breathtaking!! I can’t wait to see it on the big screen! I’ll post more updates as they come 🙂 And, if you haven’t read the book, it’s currently 30% OFF!! (Yes, it’s worth it!)
— “In love we find out who we want to be. In war we find out who we are.”
TV SHOW NEWS!! This popular YA series was just optioned for TV!! While I haven’t read it myself, I’ve heard several other readers tell me it’s one of their favorite series! And the author also said she will be a consulting producer!
“You can’t touch me,” I whisper. I’m lying, is what I don’t tell him. He can touch me, is what I’ll never tell him. But things happen when people touch me. Strange things. Bad things…”
Big Little Lies by Lianne Moriarty (Read my Review)
TV SHOW NEWS!!! I’m sooo excited!! This is another of my 5-star favorites and it’s being made into a TV Show on HBO next year! It’s a different genre than I usually read but it was FANTASTIC if you’re ever in the mood for something different. The story kept me guessing the whole way through it, with a huge reveal at the end that made me **GASP** out loud and an extremely satisfying ending!!
“A murder. A tragic accident…. Someone is dead. But who did what?”
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