It’s Tuesday, which means new books!
This is one of our busier release weeks amongst the staff. We have lots of variety in this one. There are historical romances, contemporaries, fantasy, and horror.
What books are on your TBR pile? Any overlap with ours?
Accidentally in Love
Author: Danielle Jackson
Released: August 8, 2023 by Berkley
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceWhen Sam is stuck sharing the streets for Chicago’s summer festivals with a man she can’t stand, she’ll find it’s often a bumpy road that leads to love….
As office manager of the city’s leading luxury boudoir and pinup photography studio, lovable grump Samantha Sawyer has everything under control. With an eventful summer season on the horizon, Sam is balancing a hectic workload while preparing the Buxom Boudoir “Photobus,” a vintage coach bus converted into a mobile photobooth and meeting space, to make the rounds at Chicago’s bustling summer street festival roster. Sam’s busy schedule makes avoiding the difficult parts of her life much easier, but there’s one person who can see right through her to-do lists and icy façade, really see her.
A lot has changed in the last year for Russell Montgomery. Years of odd jobs and couch surfing around the country had left him scrambling, but after reconnecting with his brother, Reid (and coming as close to settling down as he’s ever been), Russ now works at a hot local restaurant. Russ has been welcomed into his newly engaged brother’s circle of friends—all except a close friend and coworker of Reid’s fiancée, an intriguingly stormy woman named Sam.
Luckily, Sam is certain that the chaos of her calendar will ensure their distance, and she won’t have to deal with Russ or his irritating, handsome smile. But when Russ is charged with the launch of a restaurant food truck for the festival circuit, the sizzling Chicago heat is no match for the fire between them…
New Danielle Jackson contemporary with another great cover!
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Author: Mhairi McFarlane
Released: August 8, 2023 by Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomanceWhen Roisin and Joe join their friends for a weekend at a country house, it’s a triple celebration—a birthday, an engagement, and the launch of Joe’s shiny new TV show. But as the weekend unfolds, tensions come to light in the group and Roisin begins to question her own relationship. And as they watch the first episode of Joe’s drama, she realizes that the private things she told him—which should have stayed between them—are right there on the screen.
With her friend group in chaos and her messy love life on display for the whole world to see, Roisin returns home to avoid the unwanted attention and help run her family’s pub. But drama still follows, in the form of her dysfunctional family and the looming question: what other parts of her now-ex’s show are inspired by real events? Lies? Infidelity? Every week, as a new episode airs, she wonders what other secrets will be revealed.
Yet the most unexpected twist of all is an old friend, who is suddenly there for Roisin in ways she never knew she needed…
This is the latest Mhairi McFarlane, who is a consistent recommendation if you want contemporaries with emotional punches.
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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!The Blonde Identity
Author: Ally Carter
Released: August 8, 2023 by Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Romantic Suspense, RomanceA fast-paced, hilarious road trip rom-com about a woman with amnesia who discovers she’s the identical twin sister of a rogue spy… and must team up with a rugged, grumpy operative to stay alive.
It’s the middle of the night in the middle of Paris and a woman just woke up with no memory.
She only knows three things for certain:
1. She has a splitting headache.
2. The hottest guy she has (probably) ever seen is standing over her, telling her to run.
And oh yeah…
3. People keep trying to kill her.
She doesn’t know who. Or why. But when she sees footage of herself fighting off a dozen men there’s only one explanation: obviously. . . she’s a spy!
Except, according to Mr. Hot Guy, she’s not. She’s a spy’s identical twin sister.
Too bad the only person who knows she’s not the woman they’re looking for is this very grouchy, very sexy, very secret agent who (reluctantly) agrees to help her disappear.
That’s easier said than done when a criminal organization wants you dead and every intelligence service in the world wants you caught. Luckily, no one is looking for a pair of lovesick newlyweds on their honeymoon. And soon they’re lying their way across Europe–dodging bullets and faking kisses as they race to unravel a deadly conspiracy and clear her sister’s name.
But with every secret they uncover, the truth shifts, until she no longer knows who to trust: the twin she can’t remember or the mysterious man she can’t let herself forget…
Sarah: “She’s a spy’s identical twin sister.” Plus AMNESIA.
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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!Cruel Seduction
Author: Katee Robert
Released: August 8, 2023 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Dark Olympus #5He was my enemy. My lover. My husband. And the one man I swore by all Olympus I would destroy.
*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Aphrodite and Hephaestus (and Pandora and Adonis).*
Aphrodite has never flinched at getting her perfectly manicured hands dirty, and she’s not about to start now—even if that means marrying Olympus’s enemy number one, the new Hephaestus. She has a wicked plan to keep her deadly new husband off-balance, seducing the one person he seems to care about most in this world: Pandora, a woman as beautiful as she is sweet.
Two can play the seduction game, however, and Hephaestus is all too happy to put his new wife in her place. Her ex, Adonis, seems like he’ll do the trick. It doesn’t hurt that he’s gorgeous in the way of fallen angels, either.
The only problem with using seduction as a weapon? Hearts are all too quick to get involved. With Hephaestus and Aphrodite trading venomous strikes that feel a whole lot like foreplay, lines become blurred and emotions entangled. But a broken heart may be the least of their worries. With unrest in Olympus reaching new heights, these bedroom games may have deadly consequences for themselves, their city, and everyone they’ve come to love.
“Deliciously inventive…Red-hot.”—Publishers Weekly STARRED Review for Neon Gods
“I get shivers just thinking of their interactions. SHIVERS.”—Mimi Koehler for The Nerd Daily for Neon Gods
The latest in the popular Dark Olympus series!
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We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!Forged by Blood
Author: Ehigbor Okosun
Released: August 8, 2023 by Harper Voyager
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Tainted Blood Duology #1A brilliant new voice brings us a brilliant new epic fantasy novel: Ehigbor Okosun’s first book in an action-packed, poignant duology inspired by Nigerian mythology—full of magic and emotion and set in a highly atmospheric, complex world in which a young woman fights to survive a tyrannical society, having everything stripped away from her, and seeks vengeance for her mother’s murder and the spilled blood of her people.
In the midst of a tyrannical regime and political invasion, Dèmi just wants to survive: to avoid the suspicion of the nonmagical Ajes who occupy her ancestral homeland of Ife; to escape the King’s brutal genocide of her people—the darker skinned, magic wielding Oluso; and to live peacefully with her secretive mother while learning to control the terrifying blood magic that is her birthright.
But when Dèmi’s misplaced trust costs her mother’s life, survival gives way to vengeance. She bides her time until the devious Lord Ekwensi grants her the perfect opportunity—kidnap the Aje prince, Jonas, and bargain with his life to save the remaining Oluso. With the help of her reckless childhood friend Colin, Dèmi succeeds, but discovers that she and Jonas share more than deadly secrets; every moment tangles them further into a forbidden, unmistakable attraction, much to Colin’s—and Dèmi’s—distress.
The kidnapping is now a joint mission: to return to the King, help get Lord Ekwensi on the council, and bolster the voice of the Oluso in a system designed to silence them. But the way is dangerous, Dèmi’s magic is growing yet uncertain, and it’s not clear if she can trust the two men at her side.
A tale of rebellion and redemption, race and class, love and trust and betrayal, Forged by Blood is epic fantasy at its finest, from an enthusiastic, emerging voice.
Elyse: Fantasy based on Nigerian mythology.
Shana: I have been drooling over this for ages!
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We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!Marry Me By Midnight
Author: Felicia Grossman
Released: August 8, 2023 by Forever
Genre: Historical: European, Romance
Series: Once Upon the East End #1Author Felicia Grossman—whose “books are powerful and passionate and swoon-inducing!” (Eva Leigh, USA Today bestselling author)—kicks off her new series with an enchanting twist on in which a charming heiress must marry to save her family’s business, but the one man she dreams of is the one man she can’t have.
Every love story begins with once upon a time.
London, 1832: Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she’s no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry—and fast—to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she’ll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible—for heiresses don’t marry orphans, and love only conquers in children’s tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she’ll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
Sarah: I have heard So Many People talking about how lovely this book is. And I grin every time I see the cover.
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Author: Kiersten White
Released: August 8, 2023 by Del Rey
Genre: HorrorWho is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show—and discover the secret of its enigmatic host—in this dark supernatural thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide.
Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the classic children’s program Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members have done their best to move on. But just as generations of cultishly devoted fans still cling to the lessons they learned from the show, the cast, known as the Circle of Friends, have spent their lives searching for the happiness they felt while they were on it. The friendship. The feeling of belonging. And the protection of Mister Magic.
But with no surviving video of the show, no evidence of who directed or produced it, and no records of who—or what—the beloved host actually was, memories are all the former Circle of Friends has.
Then a twist of fate brings the castmates back together at the remote desert filming compound that feels like it’s been waiting for them all this time. Even though they haven’t seen each other for years, they understand one another better than anyone has since.
After all, they’re the only ones who hold the secret of that circle, the mystery of the magic man in his infinitely black cape, and, maybe, the answers to what really happened on that deadly last day. But as the Circle of Friends reclaim parts of their past, they begin to wonder: Are they here by choice, or have they been lured into a trap?
Because magic never forgets the taste of your friendship. . . .
Amanda: Horror based on a children’s TV show; oh sign my up, babes.
Elyse: 90s nostalgia and horror? Yes please.
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As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also may use affiliate links in our posts, as well. Thanks!A Duet with a Siren Duke
Author: Elise Kova
Released: August 10, 2023 by Silver Wing Press
Genre: Fantasy/Fairy Tale Romance, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
Series: Married to Magic #4She sold her soul to a siren and now he’s come to collect.
Victoria risks everything to leave a dangerous marriage and gain a second chance at life. But when her escape goes awry, she finds herself caught in the strong embrace of a mysterious siren, forced to choose: temporary salvation or immediate death.
And so, a cursed deal is struck.
Five years later, Victoria is alive—and the world’s finest ship captain. But her debt to the siren looms while her conniving ex has demanded a king’s ransom as the final price of her freedom. Victoria refuses to cause her family to suffer any more on her behalf, and is determined to make things right before her time is up. But that time is cut short.
The siren comes for her. Six months early.
Taken to the magical and deadly Eversea, home of the sirens, Victoria discovers she’s the sacrifice upon which all sirens pin their hopes. If they want to appease an angry god and save a world on the brink of destruction, then they need her. Which gives her the perfect leverage.
Victoria strikes a new bargain: the Siren Duke will help save her family, and she’ll fulfill his demands. It’s a good bargain until a flicker of passion ignites in the scarred remnants of Victoria’s heart, threatening all she’s worked for. As the sacrifice for the God of Death, she’s meant to give up everything that draws her to the world of the living. But that’s impossible when all she can think about is how this handsome siren’s song, and his hands, make her feel very much alive.
In a realm of ancient magic, submerged secrets, and forgotten gods, can love find a place among shattered hearts as they race against time and the blossoming of forbidden desires? Or will the delicate songs of their hearts be silenced once and for all?
A Duet with the Siren Duke is a complete, *stand alone novel*. It’s for readers looking for a fantasy romance with deep lore, second-chance love, sacrifice, forbidden and slow-burn romance that sizzles on the page, and a happily ever after where love triumphs over all.
While it is set in the Married to Magic universe, readers can start with this book as all Married to Magic novels are stand alones.
The next book in the Married to Magic series with another gorgeous cover.
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The only book I have on my tbr this week is Winter Renshaw’s HATE MAIL (August 10), a contemporary romance about an arranged marriage between two people from very wealthy families. I really enjoyed Renshaw’s recent YOU OR SOMEONE LIKE YOU, so I’m hoping for something similar from HATE MAIL.
I usually read all the descriptions before heading over to the library, but I read amnesia, identical twin, and didn’t even make it as far as spy (!!!) before getting on the list for that one. And this despite taking one look at the cover/title and thinking, nah. I can’t resist amnesia, and I think sweet valley high at a formative point must have left me with a permanent weakness for identical twins. If the heroine is actually a librarian (or a viking) (or I suppose ideally a librarian viking) it’ll have every irresistible to me lure going.
As opposed to this latest Married to Magic, which had me with pirates and siren, but somehow lost me with Siren Duke.
Forged by Blood has a stunning cover -not that I judge books by their covers, no ma’am- but the plot makes it sound like YA. Anyone read an ARC? Is it all love triangles and no on page sex?
I had mixed feelings about Kiersten White’s previous book,
but overall I enjoyed it and thought it was very creative. Looking forward to Mister Magic.
THE BLONDE IDENTITY is making my hands do that grabby thing.
The Blonde Identity was fun, and Mr. Magic was trenchant, but had some issues. I need to lay my hands on the Grossman so badly. The McFarlane is getting middling reviews from my friends, and Danielle Jackson is highly underrated IMO.
I read the netgalleys of Between Us & Marry Me by Midnight and enjoyed both.
The Jewish representation in Marry Me by Midnight was unlike any other historical romance I’ve ever read. It’s a reverse Cinderella story. A beautiful romance. But, like me, you don’t have to be Jewish to read this wonderful book.
Sort of curious what made my previous comment a spoiler? It’s more just a general tone of how some (older) characters are discussed in the book, rather than a plot point per se.
I just read BETWEEN US and enjoyed it, though it’s not my favorite by McFarlane. A common theme in her books, including this one, is the ways in which men can abuse and exploit women. So while there is a very sweet romance in the book, it’s definitely not the main focus.
AJ Pearce’s MRS. PORTER CALLING, book #3 in her Emmy Lake series, releases today. I’ve enjoyed the series so far, which is historical fiction set in WW2 London. The books aren’t romances but do contain some romantic elements.
Anyone know what the deal is with Kati Wilde’s new book, THE MIDSUMMER BRIDE? Looks like only half of it was available for download, but now none of it is online. Was looking forward to this one.
@Big K – She explained in an email. Going to try to post a link.
https://mailchi.mp/katiwilde/update-for-midsummer-bride-not-the-update-i-wanted-to-send?e=76dd2a1098
@KitBee: Jayne at Dear Author has a review up of Mrs Porter Calling. She gave it an A-. https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/overall-a-reviews/a-minus-reviews/review-mrs-porter-calling-by-a-j-pearce/
@MaryK, thanks for sharing the update. I’m definitely looking forward to THE MIDSUMMER BRIDE. Kati Wilde is always worth the wait.
Thank you @MaryK..I agree – it will be worth the wait. So thankful for all these hardworking authors!