Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Romance book reviews. Reviews of books that make my heart race, have a beautiful love story, and a happy ending.

Aestas Book Database
SALES, NEW RELEASES, RECOMMENDATIONS, & PRE-ORDERS — Week of June 23, 2015

SALES, NEW RELEASES, RECOMMENDATIONS, & PRE-ORDERS — Week of June 23, 2015

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Hey everyone!! Here is this week’s latest new list of books!! Happy reading 😀

*** HIGHLIGHTS ***

*** NEWEST REVIEW & RECOMMENDATION ***

*** MORE RECENT TOP FAVORITES *** These are highly recommended!!

*** NEW RELEASES *** These are all now live!!

*** 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.”

 

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

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?”

*** 3 NEW RECOMMENDATIONS ***

 

Never Let You Go by Katy Regnery (Read my Review)

HOLY HELL!!! I read reading this in one non-stop sitting because I could NOT put it down. I mean seriously… THE ANGST!!!!! Gah. *clutches heart* It’ll be a while before my heart rate to go back to normal, but WOW, it was unputdownable!!! It felt like I barely blinked or stopped to breathe because I was flipping the pages so fast…… It was sweet and romantic, heart-breaking and painful, angsty as all freaking hell, and really just a gorgeous story of UNDYING LOVE!!! The story was unique and it’s a complete standalone so if you’re looking for a new read, try this!

“I missed you like crazy. I love you forever.”

This is a modern retelling of Hansel & Gretel — “Thirteen-year-old foster children Griselda and Holden escape from their abductor after three years of brutal captivity. Tragically, one of them makes it to safety, but the other is left behind. Ten years later, Griselda’s boyfriend drags her to a fight club grudge match, and her world is turned upside down when she watches Holden step into the ring…”

 

King by T.M. Frazier (Read my Review)

Holy wow, I totally LOVED this book!! Dark and gritty, sweet and sexy, raw and shocking, and utterly addictive, with an unapologetic, badass Alpha male hero and unexpected twists that I never saw coming!! I highly recommend it!!

Homeless. Hungry. Desperate.
Doe has no memories of who she is or where she comes from.

A notorious career criminal just released from prison, King is someone you don’t want to cross unless you’re prepared to pay him back in blood, sweat, sex or a combination of all three.

King’s future hangs in the balance. Doe’s is written in her past. When they come crashing together, they will have to learn that sometimes in order to hold on, you have to first let go.

 

A Pound of Flesh by Sophie Jackson (Read my Review)

SQUEEEEEEE!!!!! I absolutely LOOOOOOOVED this book!!! If you love SEXY BAD BOY heroes and unique love stories, then you have to try this!!!! The thrill of their forbidden romance kept my heart RACING the whole way through. I swooned over their love for each other, and really appreciated the way there was no ‘stupid’ drama. And now I just can’t stop smiling because the story was just so freaking GOOD!!!! I adored it!!! It’s about a “strong-minded prison tutor who discovers that her sexy bad-boy student is far more than he appears to be…”

Haunted by nightmares of her father’s murder 15 years ago, she decides to face her fears by teaching inmates at a prison. There she meets an arrogant inmate who’s as handsome as he is dangerous… As teacher and student, they’re forced to leave their animosities at the door and learn that one should never judge a book by its cover…. and she realizes there’s much more to her angry student than she thought, leaving them to face a new, perilous obstacle: their undeniable attraction to one another.

*** FAVORITE UPCOMING BOOK ***

 

Ride Steady by Kristen Ashley (Read my Review)

HOLY FREAKING SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

I finished an early copy of this FANTASTIC BOOK!!! All of you know how much I ADORE this author’s books but THIS ONE in particular!!!!! OMG. THIS ONE!! My heart was RACING!! I couldn’t stop smiling and swooning and totally FEELING everything that happened. It was ultra BADASS ALPHA and seriously guys, my heart was just bursting. I LOVED IT!!!! Be sure you’ve pre-ordered it!!

*** DUET RECOMMENDATION ***

 

Consolation & Conviction by Corinne Michaels

SQUEEEEEE!!!!! I recently read Consolation & Conviction back-to-back and LOVED them!!! I couldn’t put either of them down even for a minute!!! They were addictive, thrilling, emotional, romantic, sexy, and had ALL THE FEELS!!! If you love big, strong Alpha male heroes, heroines with kids, and military romances, then these are must-read!! Definitely a new favorite for me!!! (Read my Reviews)

“He wasn’t supposed to be my happily ever after. He wasn’t even on my radar. He was my husband’s best friend — forbidden. But my husband is dead and I’m alone… One night with him changed everything. Now I have to decide if I truly love him or if he’s just the consolation prize.”

*** TRILOGY RECOMMENDATION ***

 

➜ Virtuous (Quantum Trilogy #1) by MS Force (Read my Review)
➜ Valorous (Quantum Trilogy #2) by MS Force (Read my Review)
➜ Victorious (Quantum Trilogy #3) by MS Force (Read my Review)

SQUEEEEE!!! I read this trilogy back-to-back and LOOOVED every word!!! My heart was RACING from the first chapter — the CHEMISTRY was off-the-charts!!! — and I literally could not put it down!! — The hero is a world famous movie star who is also a sexual Dominant… and he falls in love with a young teacher he runs into at a park who has sworn off sex. They’re total opposites but they’re trying to make a relationship work. I loved EVERYTHING about the entire series so far!!! Pure BOOK HEAVEN!!! (Erotic BDSM romance. Recommended for fans of Fifty Shades/Crossfire)

*** 6-STAR RECOMMENDATION ***

 

The Life Intended by Kristin Harmel (Read my Review)

OMG. OMG. OH. MY. GOD!!! I can honestly say with full certainty that it was probably one of THE best books I have EVER read in my whole life. I am UGLY CRYING right now. Tears POURING down my face. Crying with noise. But, don’t be scared of it. This isn’t a tragic story and it’s not depressing (I’ll come right out and say it’s a happy ending ‘cuz I don’t want to scare you away). It’s just POWERFUL beyond words. One of the most profoundly BEAUTIFUL stories I’ve ever read. As I read through the book I’d get these full body CHILLS (and then tears right after) over and over and over again. The EMOTIONS it evoked were totally overpowering. I absolutely LOVED it. For the first time this year, I’m giving a book 6 STARS!!!

About the book…. After her beloved husband’s sudden death over ten years ago, the heroine never expected to find love again. But now she’s planning her second walk down the aisle. So why isn’t she more excited? … When she starts seeing her late husband in her dreams, she begins to wonder if he’s trying to tell her something? Attempting to navigate between dreams and reality, she must uncover her husband’s hidden message… where she finds rewards greater than she could have imagined.

*** CURRENT SALES & PRICE DROPS ***

*** This page is no longer being updated. See this post for the reason why. ***

*** AUDIOBOOK UPGRADES!! ***

For fans of AUDIOBOOKS (or if you want to try them out), Amazon has a great program that searches YOUR Kindle library and finds you discounted audio upgrades for the books you already own. This means you’ll be able to switch seamlessly between reading and listening. If you’re curious, just click the link below… Everyone will see something different because it’s custom-tailored to YOUR personal books!

*** UPDATED LIST: BEST BOOKS OF 2015 ***

I’ve recently posted my list of Top 10 Best Books of 2015 so far. If you’re looking for a great new recommendation, be sure to check them out!! All of those books are favorites! Just click here!

Here are a few of my most recent favorite books and recommendations:

*** UPCOMING BOOKS: PRE-ORDER NOW ***

Note: You are NOT charged for pre-orders until the book is released.

*** This page is no longer being updated. See this post for the reason why. ***

*** STORE: BOOKWORM MERCHANDISE!! ***


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*** LOOKING FOR A RECOMMENDATION?? ***

Click a box to see recommendation lists in each category.

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Let me know if there are any other books you’re loving right now too!!

Comments

  3. Congrats on the shoutout from the GoodReads CEO! I tried to win the paperback ARC of Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway at the YALLWest book festival in April. It sounds really good and Robin was super friendly in person at the festival. =)

    Reply

  4. Cool! You should definetly read the Shatter Me series by Taheri Mafi it’s really good & thanks for sharing the news of a tv show for the series! I really really hope they won’t cancell it or anything like what they did to the Delirium tv show that was gonna come out last year. & By the way if you have read The Mortal Instruments Series they are also planning to have a tv show coming out in 2016 on ABC which they have already started filming! 😀

    Reply

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