As always, I recommend sampling before you buy! I have not read most of the new releases listed (although I always end up one-clicking a bunch as I prepare these posts LOL).
************************************************
TOUCH OF EON (EON WARRIORS BOOK 2) by Anna Hackett
VS Note: I’m always one clicking on anything new from Anna H!
Special Forces Space Marine Lara Traynor wants to save her sister and her planet from annihilation by the deadly insectoid Kantos. Earth’s Space Corps give her one option: steal three gems sacred to the Eon Warriors. Lara has never failed a mission and she doesn’t plan to start now. What she doesn’t expect is the big, hard-bodied warrior the Eon sent to stop her.
Security Commander Caze Vann-Jad was born and raised to be the best Eon warrior in the empire. Honed by the military academy, his years as a stealth agent, and by his hard warrior father, he has never failed. He knows one weak, inferior Terran is no match for him. But when he finds himself face to face with the tough, skilled Lara, he realizes he’s underestimated the female warrior.
When they are attacked by a Kantos kill squad, it soon becomes clear that the Kantos are planning something far darker and dangerous. Caze and Lara are forced to change their dangerous battle of wits and skill into a fierce battle for survival. Neither of these fighters believe in love, but on the trail of a stolen gem, they will ignite an unstoppable desire, and discover that not only are their lives at stake, but their hearts as well.
SNOW: A QURILIXEN WORLD NOVELLA: INTERGALACTIC DATING AGENCY (GALAXY ALIEN MAIL ORDER BRIDES BOOK 6) by Michelle M Pillow
Tushar (aka Snow Chaos) knows there is little chance of finding a wife on his ice-ball of a home planet. Few can survive the subzero temperatures. When Galaxy Alien Mail Order Brides offers to introduce them to women eager for love, he and his brothers can’t resist, but Earth is far from welcoming.
He knows he should focus on getting home, but all he can think about is laying claim to the sexy scientist who works for the bad guys.
Jennifer works for the Milano Foundation in an attempt to undermine their efforts. When Snow and his brothers land, it’s like a dream come true for her diabolical alien-kidnapping coworkers. Now she has to make a choice–keep her cover, or betray a dangerous corporation to save the alien she’s falling in love with.
Snow might be a blue humanoid from another planet, but life with him might be worth the risk.
SARDA: A NOVELLA OF THE LADYSHIPS by Bex McLynn
Lady Vedma wakes on an unknown spaceship with a tattooed mystery man beside her. There’s a dead alien on the deck and empty cryo-bins nearby. When her bunkmate rouses, Vedma recognizes him. Just her luck, he’s the one man who can ruin her plans, but only if he can capture her hardened heart.
Dyr’s head throbs. Waking from cryo-sleep and getting kidnapped is bad enough. Add in Lady Vedma, the anathema of the Teras Dominion, and few things could be worse. But try telling that to his battered and aroused body—or his aching heart.
Left on a derelict ship in the outer reaches of known space, Vedma and Dyr must rescue each other before their kidnappers return and jeopardize their precious future.
Sarda is a prequel novella in The Ladyships series.
ALIEN AWAKENING (SIKARIAN NOVELLA) by Regine Abel
After contracting a strange virus that strikes only a fraction of the population, Malaika is ushered to a quarantine facility. The luckier patients are released to resume their normal lives, but with growing signs of mutation in her body, Malaika already knows she won’t be going home. What will become of her? Who is that mysterious hooded man with the glowing eyes? And why does she feel so strongly drawn to him?
GOING ROGUE by Kass Barrow
VS Note: From November
Inside every human on this planet is a genetic time bomb that’s already started ticking. A gene planted inside of us seven million years ago by a being known as the Caretaker has mutated causing many of today’s common disorders, first in the brain and then in other less complex organs. Next it will spread to the reproductive system, leading to the eventual annihilation of mankind.
The only one who can save us is the Caretaker’s son.
From a race of near-immortal asexuals, the Caretaker’s son must adopt human form to fulfil his mission and save our race. Having studied humans from afar all of his life, the Caretaker’s son is excited at the prospect of his brief visit to Earth, but once in human form he is subjected to the full gamut of human emotions—something he is ill-equipped to cope with—and that’s when things start to unravel.
He isn’t meant to fall in love.
Especially not with a human male.
Blake Denby doesn’t believe in extra-terrestrials. He believes in hot sex and pizza, followed by more hot sex. When an intriguing stranger turns up at the hotel where he works as receptionist, all he can think about is sharing hot sex, pizza and more hot sex with the gorgeous boy with the piercing blue eyes.
They say be careful what you wish for, but never has it been more true. The Caretaker’s son can only maintain his transient human form for a limited time and then he must return home. As his and Blake’s lives become inexorably entangled, their growing attraction to each other can surely only lead to heartbreak and could ultimately affect the survival of the entire human race.
Can love find a way against such odds?
ALPHA BONDS (ALPHA HORDE BOOK 2) by Milana Jacks
Cyan – One second, I’m battling an overgrown hedge with a pair of clippers. The next, I’m running for my life, positive I’ve stumbled onto a prank reality show set, complete with a towering, red-haired guy in costume who throws me over his shoulder like I weigh nothing—I’m a big girl, never been thin.
Half of me is horrified to find out I’ve somehow been transported to an alien planet. The other half would sure like to explore the masterpiece of muscle under that armor.
Kinre – Horde life is simple. Hunt the enemy, kill the enemy. But after Loven broke the law by bonding an Omega meant for the king, life got real complicated. Instead of exterminating Telean rebels, I’m playing nice to recruit them for Loven’s stupid rebellion.
Then I make a big mistake. Huge. I rescue a helpless human, only to discover this curvy, tempting morsel is an Omega about to send me into a rut. Fleeing the Telean ship and returning her to the Horde stronghold means abandoning the Telean alliance—and destroying everything we’ve risked our lives for.
I should nip this desire in the bud, but it’s grown beyond my control.
ASCENSION SAGA 6 (INTERSTELLAR BRIDES ASCENSION SAGA) by Grace Goodwin
The traitor within the Jax household has been found, and the repercussions are staggering, with Faith barely surviving and their mating destroyed. But Faith has always been unpredictable—just ask her sisters— and nothing will stop her from getting what she wants…and she wants Thor. Even if it kills her.
ASCENSION SAGA: 7 (INTERSTELLAR BRIDES ASCENSION SAGA) by Grace Goodwin
Destiny Jones is a princess with a bad attitude. She doesn’t play nice with others, she doesn’t dress up in pretty clothes, and she has absolutely zero interest in behaving like a lady. Especially when she’s so close to catching the people who tried to have her killed. Oh, and kidnapped her mother, queen of the planet Alera. Destiny’s sex-starved body, and it’s annoying Aleran Ardor, might kill her if her enemies don’t find her first. But she’s not afraid to suffer, or risk her life to protect those she loves, but she’s terrified of risking her heart.
Vennix was trained to hunt and to kill from the shadows. After years of serving in the Hive wars as an elite member of the Coalition’s Shadow Unit, he returned home to fight for the one thing he believes in, honor. Dedicating his life to the queen’s guard was an easy decision—but watching the most beautiful woman he’s ever met repeatedly risk her life is about to drive him mad.
Because Destiny is his. His body awakened for her. And if his new mate thinks Nix will stand idly by as she suffers without his skillful lover’s touch, she is very, very mistaken.
ASCENSION SAGA: 8 (INTERSTELLAR BRIDES ASCENSION SAGA) by Grace Goodwin
Destiny has a problem—a six-foot-three, stubborn, gorgeous, deadly, sex-on-a-stick—kind of problem. While her brain might want to kick his ass across the galaxy, the rest of her wants to jump him like a bouncy house.
Ardor or not, she’s hunting a killer. Nix is going all protective, alpha male, claiming she’s his mate just because she had a few mind-blowing moments in his bed. And she’s trapped deep undercover in the most dangerous place on the planet. If anyone discovers the truth, she’ll be dead. But if she gives up now, her mother will be lost forever.
And Nix is about to find out Destiny’s dirty little secret…she’s even more stubborn than he is.
I AM THE STORM (PSIONICS BOOK 1) by Tash McAdam
VS Note: From December
Keep your head down. Don’t look anyone in the eye. Never even think about technology if one of those ghostly, grey cars is sliding silently down the road. They’ll see the thoughts inside you, if you let them.
Sam’s a technopath, able to control electronic signals and manipulate technology with his mind. And so, ever since childhood, his life has been a carefully constructed web of lies, meant to keep his Talent hidden, his powers a secret. But the Institute wants those unusual powers, and will do anything to get a hold of him and turn him into one of their mindless slaves.
Sam slips up once. Just once, but that’s enough. Now the Institute is after him in full force. Soldiers, telekinetics, and mind readers, all gunning just for him.
Newly qualified soldier, Serena, doesn’t even know she’s chasing a person, all she knows is that she has to find whatever the Institute is after before they do. But tracking an unknown entity through an unfamiliar city, with inaccurate intelligence, unexpected storms, and Gav Belias, people’s hero of the Watch, on the prowl, will she even survive? Will she get to Sam before the Institute does? His special skills could provide the rebellion with an incredible advantage, but not if they can’t get out of the city, and over the huge wall that stands between them and freedom.
EXQUISITE POSSESSION (THE MACHINERY OF DESIRE BOOK 4) by Cari Silverwood
VS Note: As the author says: This is a dark romance and includes rough, kinky sexual scenes. If you don’t understand where dark stories can go, this might not be for you.
Blurb on ebook seller page…
AVEL (MY SINGLE ALIEN SFR ADVENTURE BOOK 9) by Arcadia Shield
Avel has always had a chip on his broad shoulders. Not comfortable with his alien-human hybrid status, he’s never felt like he fits in. Humans think he’s odd and Dackins think he’s a weakling. He spends his days debt collecting and his nights drinking to forget.
Having spent a few weeks on Prodigy, Avel’s thinking this could make a decent home. Everyone’s more accepting of difference on the space station. Then Holly wanders into his life, with her big smile, killer curves, and amazing chocolate, and everything changes. Avel sees the chance for some fun, but Holly wants so much more.
Holly Lipinski’s life is all about chocolate. She’d bathe in the stuff if she could afford to. But Holly is terrible with money, and she desperately needs some if she’s ever going to get her chocolate store open. As a last resort, she turns to a Dackin moneylender. The interest rates aren’t great, but her credit rating is worse…(more blurb on ebook seller page…)
CLAIMED BY THE WARLORD by Maddie Taylor
One people, divided by treachery and greed.
A fiery Warlord, as ruthless as he is honorable.
An ethereal Princess, as beautiful as she is loyal to her people.
Though as different as fire and ice, they are drawn together by an intensely intimate connection
This pair of unlikely lovers wields the power to mend the rift between their worlds, but an unknown entity wants her dead. Can he keep her safe while uncovering the insidious murderous threat? Or will it wrench them apart and bring their people to the brink of war, yet again.
TAKING MERCY: PLANET ATHION SERIES: PIONEER BOOK 1 by Angel Lawson
Mercy Ladd is a woman with a mission.
To help the pioneers women from earth as they acclimate to Athion after their home has been invaded by a dangerous enemy.
Mercy knew her life would change with this adventure, but she never expected how much. As she acclimates to her new life on Athion; three hardened, handsome soldiers do everything they can to protect her; body, mind and soul.
Can they also protect her heart?
NOVA: THE CELESTION CHRONICLES by Miranda Masey
Life on the mining planet Ionope has never been easy for Melora, but it’s about to get a whole lot worse. She’s the next of a cruel racketeer’s girls to be auctioned off to one of the filthy miners, and each passing day tightens the noose she feels closing in around her. Desperate for escape and losing hope, the universe seems to answer her prayers with the arrival of a savior in the form of a seven-foot-tall blue alien warrior who decides to abduct her from Ionope for his own reasons. Now she has to resist the blaze that ignites every time he touches her, especially since she’s now meant to become his Emperor’s Bride.
Find a Bride for the Emperor or face permanent exile from his home. The choice is clear for the Celestion warrior Aldris, and as luck would have it, he’s found the perfect woman- until the mating bond locks into place and he realizes he’s found his fated mate. Now he must make a terrible choice: defy the laws of his beloved home planet Vassa IX and lose everything that makes him a Celestion, or ignore the bond entwining him with the one woman destined for him.
Either one could spell his end.
KROGA’S BRIDE: A SLICE OF LIFE SHORT STORY (ALIEN BOUNTY HUNTERS BOOK 5) by Michele Mills
One moment Melachine is crossing the street, and the next she’s crashing into the male of her dreams. He’s built like a warrior of old, with the most perfect lips imaginable. And he won’t let go. She stares up, up at him in awe, because she can see her unborn offspring in his harsh hazel eyes.
“I am Kroga of Seventy-Five,” he rasps. “Who is the manager of your line?”
Her eyes widen. Should she tell this male who she is, and allow him to offer for her hand? Or should she run away? Because, everyone knows Kroga is nothing but trouble.
FATE OF SOVEREIGN (SKY SERPENT CLAN BOOK 1) by Samantha Rose
VS Note: Listed as erotica
It seemed like a dream as spaceships invaded Auburn, Alabama. Skipping town with her best friend sounded like the safest thing to do, until she winds up all alone in the clutches of one of the invaders. Robyn didn’t think someone like her would get kidnapped, let alone by a overly handsome alien with beautiful navy blue scales and a snake tail. It was not on her list of things to do that morning as she got ready for work but plans changed.
Her captor was overly demanding and deliciously dominant but what else could you expect from a first sovereign of the sky serpent clan. He asked a lot from her, as she struggled to deny the growing feelings towards him. Then he offered her other males in his clan. Things grew hotter as she realized what he had to offer she had never craved more. She wanted them all.
However, she was not the only one capturing hearts of the males around her. Earth’s government is after them too. Robyn must help her mate and the males she wants to claim fight in order to keep his people alive, while she struggles to learn her new place amongst them. Falling in love had never been so easy or so hard.
THE COMING STORM by Mark Alpert
VS Note: From the reviews this seems to have a lot of political themes. Definitely not a romance although there seems to be a possible romance going on, no idea if there’s an HEA. But a book of note this week.
New York City, 2023: Rising seas and superstorms have ravaged the land. Food and electricity are scarce. A dangerous Washington regime has terrorized the city, forcing the most vulnerable and defenseless people into the flood-ravaged neighborhoods. The new laws are enforced by an army of genetically enhanced soldiers, designed to be the fiercest and cruelest of killers. Genetic scientist Dr. Jenna Khan knows too much about how these super-soldiers were engineered: by altering the DNA sequence in ways that could change the fabric of humanity.
Escaping arrest and on the run, Jenna joins forces with a genetically enhanced soldier gone rogue and a Brooklyn gang kingpin to resist the government’s plan to manipulate the DNA of all Americans. The race is on to stop the evil experiment before it spreads the genetic changes…and transforms the human species forever.
48 HOURS by William R Forstchen
VS Note: I loved his One Second After although I didn’t read the next two books in the series. I did buy this new one (which isn’t in that series) because he writes End of the World As We Know It pretty effectively and you know me – I love post apocalyptic tales. I don’t know if there’s any romantic element (there was a mild subtheme of a romance in One Second After).
In 48 hours, the Earth will be hit by a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun, a “Carrington Event” that has the power to shut down and possibly destroy the world’s electrical infrastructure. To try and prevent permanent damage, everything goes dark prior to the hit: global communications are shut down; hospital emergency generators are disconnected; the entire internet, media broadcasting, and cell phone systems are turned off.
Will the world’s population successfully defend itself in the wake of the CME, or will mass panic lead to the breakdown of society as we know it?
WARRIOR OF THE WORLD (DASNARIA CHRONICLES BOOK THREE) by Jeffe Kennedy
VS NOTE: I love this entire fantasy world – the Twelve Kingdoms, The Uncharted Realms and this series – Jeffe has created and any new book set there is an auto-buy for me.
Once Ivariel thought elephants were fairy tales to amuse children. But her ice-encased childhood in Dasnaria’s imperial seraglio was lacking in freedom and justice.. With a new name and an assumed identity as a warrior priestess of Danu, the woman once called Princess Jenna is now a fraud and a fugitive. But as she learns the ways of the beasts and hones new uses for her dancer’s strength, she moves one day further from the memory of her brutal husband. Safe in hot, healing Nyambura, Ivariel holds a good man at arm’s length and trains for the day she’ll be hunted again.
She knows it’s coming. She’s not truly safe, not when her mind clouds with killing rage at unpredictable moments. Not when patient Ochieng’s dreams of a family frighten her to her bones. But it still comes as a shock to Ivariel when long-peaceful Nyambura comes under attack. Until her new people look to their warrior priestess and her elephants to lead them.
THE APPRENTICE SORCERESS (THE FAIRY TALES SERIES OF LYOND BOOK 2) by E D Walker
A lady does not practice magic…Until now.
Lady Violette has done everything she can to be a perfect lady in waiting to the royal princess of Jerdun. She’s followed the princess halfway across the world and lived through a war. Now the princess is stranded in a foreign city as an enemy army draws near, and Violette is stranded with her.
As more refugees from the conflict pour into their city every day, tension mounts between various factions, and a strange powers begin to stir inside Violette. A magic that protects her, but also seems impossible to control. Magic is not a womanly art, after all, and if anyone should learn of Violette’s powers she could lose her standing in society, her reputation, perhaps even her place at the princess’s side.
The only one she trusts with her secret is Ned, an impish squire and fellow refugee from the war. Instead of being repulsed by her powers, Ned admires Violette. For her part, she can’t deny the attraction she feels for Ned, but he has secrets he refuses to share, a wall that he keeps up between them.
Still, Ned helps Violette finally master her powers, but even mastery has its price when an unscrupulous nobleman looks to use Violette for his own purposes. Torn between serving her princess and saving herself, Violette will have to decide how deep the bonds of loyalty run, and just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for her own happiness.
FOREVER BROKEN (TALON PACK BOOK 9) by Carrie Anne Ryan
Cheyenne Liles has watched all of her friends mate into the Talon Pack and have their lives changed forever, one by one. She’s stood back, helpless to assist in the war with a rival Pack. But just when she thinks her time with the Talons is over and believes she should move on with her human life, the Aspen Pack Alpha takes matters into his own hands, altering her fate far more than a single mate mark ever could.
Max Brentwood used to be the smiling one, the only Brentwood who was somehow able to save his soul during the last Alpha’s reign. But his life was irrevocably changed one fateful day on the battlefield, and he was never the same again. Suddenly, Max is forced to face his future and make a choice when Cheyenne comes into danger: let fate decide, or watch his world crumble around him.
The shifters of this world have fought demons, humans, and themselves. Now, it’s time to find out who they truly are as the war between the Packs ends, and the moon goddess finally takes a stand.
PRISONER OF NIGHT (BLACK DAGGER BROTHERHOOD SERIES) by J R Ward
When Ahmare’s brother is abducted, there is nothing she won’t do to get him back safely. She is unprepared, however, for the lengths she will have to go to save his life. Paired with a dangerous but enticing prisoner, she embarks on an odyssey into another world.
Duran, betrayed by his father, imprisoned in a dungeon for decades, has survived only because of his thirst for vengeance. He has been biding his time to escape and is shocked to find an unlikely and temporary freedom in the form of a determined young female.
Battling against deadly forces and facing unforeseen peril, the pair are in a race to save Ahmare’s brother. As time runs out, and the unthinkable looms, even true love may not be enough to carry them through.
KNIGHTS OF STONE: GAVIN (HIGHLAND GARGOYLES BOOK 7) by Lisa Carlisle
His brothers have all found mates.
Gavin won’t make that same mistake.
Why commit to one woman when so many lovely lassies come to their shows?
When he meets Fiona, he can’t keep away.
But, she’s human. Human.
And dangerous. She could expose the secrets of his clan. Gavin should run from her, but flirting with danger is far too tempting.
SHANGRI-LA SPELL (OLD SCHOOL BOOK 8) by Jenny Schwartz
Olga Fisher is a dedicated 13OPS agent. She polices the supernatural. But how do you tell the good guys from the bad guys when a criminal mastermind has infiltrated the government and military? Who do you trust to go undercover with you to expose the villain and bring him to justice?
Former army captain Darius Selbourne is new to his powers of sorcery, but not to fighting evil. For him, the criminal mastermind’s activities have had devastating personal consequences.
Olga needs allies.
Darius wants revenge.
And the clock is ticking because the villain’s master plan is almost complete.
IN AN ABSENT DREAM (WAYWARD CHILDREN BOOK 4) by Seanan McGuire
VS Note: Not a romance but notable this week.
This fourth entry and prequel tells the story of Lundy, a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.
When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she’s found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well.
DEMON BORN (WITCHES OF CANYON ROAD BOOK 5) by Christine Pope
Catalina Castillo should be happy in her renovated vineyard house, weaving intricate tapestries. But her nights echo with emptiness — until she hears her name whispered on the wind, and a man steps out from among the vines.
He’s tall, black-haired, a stranger — and then he shifts. He’s the Lord of Chaos, the demon who helped the Castillo clan defeat their arch-enemy. When she offers him shelter, she’s not sure if it’s family honor or her body talking.
After months of being stranded on Earth, Loc has finally found a warlock with the power to send him back to his own world. But the dark New Orleans spellcaster wants something in return. Cat is the key to capturing the prize, but as desire weaves its spell between them, Loc finds himself struggling with something he’s rarely bothered with…a conscience.
With the demon realm calling him home, their attraction can never be more than that. But when the warlock kidnaps Cat, Loc realizes what he stands to lose. If he doesn’t act fast, she won’t need her innate ability to talk to ghosts. Because she’ll be one of them herself.
WINGS OF THE WICKED by Various
Indulge in 25 breathtaking adventures of dangerous worlds where the lines blur between saints and sinners.
Come meet the creatures that fuel your every lust filled nightmare, where angels are not always encased in a light of righteousness and demons are not always dealing in all manner of debauchery. Where you might just end up rooting for the bad guy…
If you like demonic games, angelic interventions, and thrilling temptations, you’ll love this urban fantasy and paranormal romance collection of twisted proportions in Wings of the Wicked.
THE WICKED KING (THE FOLK OF THE AIR BOOK TWO) by Holly Black
MAIMING (TO TAME A SHIFTER BOOK 3) by A K KoonceNothing perfect ever lasts.
For the first time in my entire life, I’ve found a community that accepts me. The village of dragon shifters knows what it’s like to be different. These men care about me. And I care about them. I might even love them.
Among all that perfection, terror creeps in. It haunts this place during the night. Something dangerous, powerful, and deadly has found these innocent people.
And it wants me.
THE FIRE PROPHECY (ACADEMY OF MAGICAL CREATURES BOOK 1) by Megan Linski and Alicia Rades
Sophia-I’m Sophia Henley, your typical college freshman. I never expected a lion to be stalking me, nor for fire to come shooting out of my hands to protect my sister. Next thing I know, a drop-dead gorgeous guy shows up on my doorstep to sweep me away to a magical school, where I’ll learn to control my element and bond with a powerful creature called a Familiar.
I don’t believe I’m the savior of an ancient tribe, or the missing piece of a prophecy that’s more myth than reality. Worst of all, I’m forced to enter the Elemental Cup, where I’ll either earn my place in this society… or die trying.
Liam – The night I met Sophia, I didn’t think we’d form an undeniable connection. But I’m from the Water tribe, and she’s fire. I’m forced to push her away even as I’m falling for her.
I lost everything, yet Sophia makes me whole again. Our world is fixed on keeping us apart, but we’re in this tournament together. We have to keep each other alive at any cost— or I’ll give my life for hers.
It’s pretty clear. If I continue to play with fire, I’m going to get burned.
HEAVEN’S LOSS by Sable Hunter
Cowboys and Angels? Oh, hell yeah. A perfect combination.
Halos and Wings go perfectly with Stetsons and Spurs.
This is a lesson Big Canyon Brady will learn well.
The Tebow blacksmith hasn’t had it easy since losing his only child to cancer. Putting one boot ahead of the other is a day to day battle.
But…something keeps him going.
He didn’t know how to define that something until Seren stepped out of his dreams and into his arms. Skeptical at first, Canyon learns she is his own personal miracle, a ray of sunshine in a world of sadness and despair. They exist in a paradise of their own making until Seren makes a mistake which brings their whole world crashing down around them. Fallen from grace, she must learn to live without the only man who has ever been the center of her existence.
When their paths cross once more, Seren is determined to protect him by keeping her distance. This doesn’t work for long, for Canyon is inexorably drawn to her like a moth to a flame.
His touch tempts her like nothing else ever could and only their love can redeem them.
Dark clouds rise and fierce winds blow, but when the storms of life abate…
one great truth remains.
Heaven’s Loss is Canyon’s Gain.
DIVINE AGENT (FALLEN REVELATIONS BOOK 3) by Miranda Martin
I didn’t ask to be ‘special’ but no one gave me a choice. As the world ended and humanity retreated into underground bunkers to hide from Armageddon, I was forced into a role I’m scared I can’t fulfill.
Savior.
I’m surrounded by gorgeous and powerful men all seeking to protect me. A necroseer, a methuselah, an angel, a demon, four mages, and– best or worst of all– three of the Dragon Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Including their leader Tynan. They’re sexy, domineering, and all of them have one desire… me.
But will their protection be enough? The Shadow Forces looming in wait grow bolder with each passing day and the one thing all my guardians agree on– I’m not ready.
There’s no choice though. I have to be ready because if I fail, the entire world ends with me.
TENDER DISTRACTION by J Hali Steele
VS Note: From December
A near collision sidetracks two lives.
Cristophe Kingston hasn’t dated since… Okay, it’s been months. Hands in his pockets, he watches an endless line of revelers enter a club he frequents. Something, an odd chill, forces Crist to hurry away and he carelessly lurches into traffic.
Already late for a deadly assignation, Lex Torcher figures what the hell—a perfect diversion. Too many years on earth has Torch craving human touch. The stranger who steps in front of his bike will surely have gentle, soft hands, hands capable of performing what others never do.
Torch’s momentary distraction, his brief interlude, pits him against his boss culminating in an all-out battle for Crist as Torch’s employer is none other than—the Grim Reaper, an unpredictable and greedy monster!
KISSED AT MIDNIGHT (THE LOST ROYALS BOOK 1) by Ainsley Wynter
Princess Sidony of L’Ortagia serves as the queen’s hostess, leaving affairs of state to her sister Zara. During a masquerade ball, Sidony kisses a handsome stranger only to discover he’s Prince Adrian of Embury, a man with a fearsome reputation and the emissary sent to arrange her sister’s marriage. Worried her actions will damage the budding alliance, she convinces Adrian to forget the incident…even if she cannot.
Adrian roots out traitors in his uncle’s kingdom of Embury using his magical abilities. When he’s sent to arrange a wedding for his cousin, a kiss in the moonlight gives him a taste of what he’s been missing. Sidony is everything his life is not: laughter, warmth, and passion. But the king maintains an unbreakable hold over him, hiding his family in exchange for Adrian’s loyalty to the crown.
After Zara disappears on the eve of the royal wedding, Adrian’s orders are to stay and maintain the alliance with L’Ortagia. But Sidony’s effect on his powers and his heart becomes too strong to deny. When he has a chance to rescue his family and throw off his royal ties, will he take it, knowing he’ll have to leave Sidony? Or will the dark prince abandon his past to be with the one woman who brought his cold heart to life?
DEVOURING FLAME (DREAMSPUN BEYOND BOOK 35) by E J Russell
While cutting through the Interstices—the post-creation gap between realms—Smith, half-demon tech specialist for Enchanted Occasions Event Planning, spies the person he yearns for daily but dreads seeing again: the ifrit, Hashim of the Windrider clan.
On their one literally smoldering night together, Smith, stupidly besotted, revealed his true name—a demon’s greatest vulnerability. When Hashim didn’t return the favor, then split the next morning with no word? Message received, loud and clear: Thanks but no, thanks.
Although Hashim had burned to return Smith’s trust, it was impossible. The wizard who conjured him holds his true name in secret, and unless Hashim discovers it, he’ll never be free.
When their attraction sparks once more, the two unite to search for Hashim’s hidden name—which would be a hell of a lot easier if they didn’t have to contend with a convention full of food-crazed vampires on the one day out of the century they can consume something other than blood.
But if they fail, Hashim will be doomed to eternal slavery, and their reignited love will collapse in the ashes.
Luckily Smith is the guy who gets shit done. And Hashim is never afraid to heat things up.
KNIGHTFALL (TANGLED CROWNS BOOK 1) by Anne Denton
Want to kill my sister? You’ll have to go through me first.
I will stop you. Even if it means I have to go back to the palace. Even if it means I have to take back the crown I left behind. Even if it means I have to face the four men I left at the altar. I will take on them and their anger. I will take on anything to save Avia.
Because the kingdom needs her.
The kingdom needs a good queen.
Not a cursed one. Not me.
If I can’t save her, then the kingdom will fall. Because I can’t rule.
I’m a walking death sentence for anyone who gets too close.
ROGUE WOLF by Kathryn Kohler
Holly Winters is the aging spinster at her baby sister’s wedding.
Old maid.
Reject.
Why didn’t she bring a date to the week-long affair?
Provoked by an old nemesis, she further humiliates herself by claiming her date is on his way.
Ugh, can she weave a more tangled web?
Chase Stone never thought he’d see Holly again.
Not after walking out on her ten years ago.
He never stopped loving her, but his priority is her safety.
Especially from him.
To rescue her from embarrassment, Chase claims to be Holly’s date.
Awkward.
But, when old feelings return, will they get a second chance?
Or, will the cruel hand of fate deal them more pain and heartache?
THE PEGASUS MARSHAL’S MATE (U S MARSHAL SHIFTERS BOOK 2) by Zoe Chant
Tiffani’s first marriage was a disaster. And now her first day of her new life as a court reporter has involved a jackass judge, a bomb threat…and a sexy silver fox of a US Marshal. One who tempts Tiffani to give up her new determination to prove she doesn’t need a man. But if she’s going to show everyone she’s more than just air-headed arm-candy, she can’t just fall into those gorgeous, muscled arms…right?
Pegasus shifter Martin thought he’d never find his mate. After losing his wife, he gave up on love entirely. But one look at Tiffani and he knows he needs this smart, funny, gorgeous woman. All he wants is to give her the romance she deserves—and the protection she just might need.
Between the trial of the century, petty dictator bosses, and a senior citizen flash mob, Tiffani and Martin will have to steal time for their second chance at love. But who better than a pegasus shifter to sweep a woman off her feet?
NO MAN CAN TAME (DARK-ELVES OF NIGHT BLOOM BOOK 1) by Miranda Honfleur
After a failed courtship in an ally kingdom, twenty-one-year-old Princess Alessandra returns home to a land torn apart by mutual hatred between the humans and the dark-elves. The “Beast Princess,” as Aless is known by courtiers, confidently sets her mind to ways of making peace, but her father has already decided for her: she is to marry one of the mysterious and monstrous dark-elves to forge a treaty, and go on a Royal Progress across the kingdom to flaunt their harmonious union. While she intends to preserve the peace, the Beast Princess has plans of her own.
Prince Veron has been raised knowing his life is not his own, but to be bargained away by his mother, the queen of Nozva Rozkveta, to strengthen the dark-elf queendom. When his mother tells him he is to marry a self-absorbed, vile human, he is determined to do his duty regardless of his personal feelings. After arriving at the human capital, he finds the “Beast Princess” rebellious and untamed—and not to be trusted.
Aless and Veron face opposition at every turn, with humans and dark-elves alike opposing the union violently, as well as their own feelings of dissonance toward each other. Can two people from cultures that despise one another fall in love? Can a marriage between them bond two opposing worlds together, or will it tear them apart for good?
GUARDIAN DRAGON (COUNCIL OF SEVEN) by Juniper Hart
Briar Baker has spent her entire life trying to do what is right, but fate has other things in store for her. Briar can’t seem to escape the darkness that has followed her from early childhood.
It doesn’t help matters that her brother, Colton, is silently working against her. His latest heist against the wrong beings is about to blow up in Briar’s oblivious face.
Alec Petlier has always been renowned for his level-headed nature. After an unexpected robbery, Alec is ready to let the Council of Seven deal with the repercussions. However, his demon councilmate, Raven, won’t let it go until she gets her revenge.
What Alec could have never anticipated is that his role is about to change from hunter to protector.
TO REDEEM A BEAR (LUMBERJACK BEARS BOOK 5) by Emilia Hartley
Orion knows he’s losing the battle to control his bear. It’s only a matter of time before he’s so far gone that one of his friends feels obliged to put him down like a well-loved but rabid dog.
That’s partly why he welcomes the sexy shifter from the Den who shows up with a silver-bullet with his name on it. Orion figures this will be the perfect end–he’ll have a bit of fun with this Anais and then stop complicating everyone’s life.
He doesn’t count on the would-be assassin being his mate, a woman with complications of her own who is less and less willing to kill him the more time they spend together.
Can two broken bears find wholeness together?
Or is this a match doomed to fail?
THEIR SHADOW QUEEN (THE SHADOW COURT HAREM BOOK 1) by Kim Loraine
I am the queen of the Shadow Court.
More powerful than any before me.
Destined to do great things.
And a pawn in a royal game I don’t want to play.
The problem is, I’ve spent the last twenty-one years thinking I was human. Now I’m surrounded by fae who say they want to help me but I don’t know who to trust.
With powers I don’t understand, I’m unsure if I can rule. I’ll have to rely on the two men who’ve been by my side since before this began. I have to claim the crown or renounce my title, but my fate was sealed without my consent and now I have to marry a prince I’ve never met. He’s supposed to be the one who’ll help me save my people, but my heart belongs to the two warriors who’ve been my guard all this time.
How can I embrace my destiny if I have to leave them behind?
Whatever my choice, the fate of the Shadow Court hangs in the balance.
Long live the queen.
THE UNSEEN (ECHOES FROM THE PAST BOOK 5) by Irina Shapiro
2014. When skeletal remains are discovered in a bathtub concealed in a secret chamber in a London mansion, Quinn’s only clue is a Fabergé necklace that may have belonged to the victim. As she delves into the life of Valentina, a young Russian refugee who came to live in the house after the Russian Revolution, she’s reminded once again that sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.
1917. Wealthy, beautiful, and titled, Valentina has enjoyed a gilded existence, but the winds of change blow across Russia, forever sweeping away the life she knew and bringing unspeakable pain and loss. Thrust into the role of head of the family, Valentina quickly learns that not everyone can be trusted, and sometimes true love can be found in the most unexpected places.
TEST OF THE DRAGON: A DRAGON RIDERS OF ELANTIA NOVEL by Jessica Drake
When Zara and Lessie finally got their hands on a piece of the Dragon God’s heart, they thought their path was clear. Head to the Forge of Derynnis, gain the death god’s favor, and convince him to destroy the evil relic once and for all.
But getting to the Forge is no simple feat, and it’s not even the first thing on Zara’s list. Between battling the Dragon God’s sinister will, evading Salcombe’s sabotage attempts, and securing the future of her people, Zara’s got her work cut out for her. And when she finally reaches the death god’s lair, the price she’ll be forced to pay for his help might just break her.
UNMASKED: A PSYCHIC VISIONS NOVEL by Dale Mayer
VS Note: On my TBR. I’m always fascinated by Pompeii and archaeology. There seems to be something of a romance…
Lacey always dreamed of a trip to Pompeii but never thought it would happen, until her cousin calls out of the blue, asking if Lacey would like to replace their photographer on their archeological dig.
Sebastian wasn’t expecting Lacey to be, well … Lacey. But he’s intrigued from the start, and then he sees what she can do— even before she does.
As the images of the past rise in front of Lacey, taxing her artistic ability to document them, strange events start happening. Without reason, the atmosphere on the dig shifts to something supernatural that scares her, intrigues her, then consumes her.
For Sebastian these events all bring back memories of the worst dig in his life, and he can see history repeating itself. He needs to stop it this time. He must protect his team and his friends, but especially Lacey … before everyone dies—just like they did last time.
ROSALIE UNDONE (THE SHIFTERS SERIES BOOK 6) by Elizabeth Kelly
Sweet, shy and… human. Rosalie Parker wants one thing – her coworker and lion shifter, Lincoln. There’s only one problem. Lion shifters have a reputation for enjoying the kink and Rosalie is far from kinky.
Determined to win Lincoln over, Rosalie will do whatever it takes -including stepping out of her comfort zone and into the kinky zone. The last person she expects to volunteer for kink teaching is grumpy polar bear shifter, Hudson.
Hudson shouldn’t get closer to Rosalie. Sure, her sweet nature and her soft curves have him and his bear all worked up, but being anything more than friends is dangerous. He has a price on his head and sooner or later, it’ll be collected.
But he can’t stay away from her.
Will their unconventional friendship turn into something more? Or will the bounty on his life destroy their chance at happiness?
GUARDED IN LOVE: A ZODIAC SHIFTERS PARANORMAL ROMANCE, CAPRICORN by K C Stewart
Dreamwalker, Sybil Murray knew what love was the moment she met Dean Williams. But being the self-controlled, stubborn Capricorn that she is, she let him walk away and didn’t chase after him. If the sexy and rugged bear shifter wanted to keep his distance, then she wasn’t about to beg for a second chance.
And when visions of Dean begin to plague her dreams, Sybil knows that danger is closing in on him. Determined to warn Dean without falling prey to his charms, she sets out to protect the only man she’s ever loved. But suddenly, Dean isn’t the only one in danger. Escaping her dreams is beginning to be harder than ever. Will Dean and Sybil find a way to rekindle what they once had or will they become nothing more than a memory?
TO FREE A CAPTURED HEART (DJINN HAVEN BOOK 3) by R L Naquin
Hidden Government chaser Kam’s luck might finally be changing. Her team of reapers is sent to a riverboat casino to investigate a suspicious increase in missing souls–a job that sounds more like a vacation than an assignment. A little drinking, a little gambling and maybe a little romance with Tahm, the fiancé she’s not sure she wants to run from anymore.
Plans for fun and games are canceled, though, when they find the pesky Leprechaun Mafia is behind the mischief. Of course they are.
Before Kam and her team can spring into action, the leprechauns make good on their threat to capture Tahm.
How far will Kam go to break her true love out of confinement? Working in the casino to pay off some of his debt is one thing, but it could mean Kam spends another hundred years locked up in his stead.
LIPSTICK VOODOO (THE STRANGE SERIES BOOK 2) by Kristi Charish
VS Note: Apparently no romance and many zombies…not sayin’ that’s a bad thing, merely noting the fact…
Kincaid Strange cannot catch a break. After dealing with a spate of paranormal murders, there’s barely time to recuperate–let alone sleep in–before there’s a new problem in Kincaid’s world of paranormal activity. When her roommate, Nathan Cade–the ghost of a grunge-rocker with a pathological lack of self-control–comes home bound to a dead body, it’s up to Kincaid to figure out how to free him. Ideally before her new mentor, Gideon, a powerful sorcerer’s ghost, discovers that Nate is trapped in the body he’d coveted for himself.
When Aaron, a Seattle cop on the afterlife beat–and Kincaid’s ex–calls her in to help out with a cold case, she takes the chance to mend fences with the police department. The problem: they want to interview Nate’s ghost, which she can’t produce. Then people from Nate’s past start showing up dead, and what’s killing them doesn’t seem to be human. And the way it’s killing them is especially brutal.
Nate’s hiding something, but he’s Kincaid’s friend and she wants to help him. But she also wants to stay alive.
SLASH by Linda Mooney
Officer Sonia Sparrow is an introvert of sorts, spending her workdays on the force, and her off days alone. But lately it seems she’s acquired a new partner. A dog, that she’s dubbed Slash, keeps showing up at the nick of time to save the day.
Michael Masson, a former Marine, is looking for a quiet life, but he can’t help the desire he still has to serve his country. Having been burned in love once before, he’s vowed to never show his other side to anyone else. Instead. he chooses to spend his life roaming the country and not getting close to anyone. But when he spies the female police officer in trouble, he can’t just sit back and let it happen.
Sonia has been burned in relationships in the past as well, and if she can’t find a trustworthy man, she’s decided a dog would be the perfect companion to keep her loneliness at bay. What she didn’t bargain for was getting both.
The truth is almost too farfetched, but Michael is determined to make her believe. He hopes this new partnership will not only heal old wounds, but evolve into a deep and loving relationship for the both of them.
**************************************************************
VS Note: I’m thinking of writing a sequel to this one (although don’t ask me where I’d fit it into my schedule in the near future but I love these characters), so I picked it for my featured title of the week from my backlist:
An alien empathic priestess held captive by the interstellar crime mob, forced to commit crimes for them, and the Mob enforcer who may represent her best hope for escape. But he’s also hiding life or death secrets…
Amazon iBooks Kobo Barnes & Noble
********************************************************************
LINKS TO RECENT NEW RELEASES POSTS from Veronica:
The term “new” is generally plus or minus a week or two. I try to catch up on ones I missed in recent months.
I do NOT cover every single new release in SFR/FantasyR/PNR. I never have. That would be an impossible task for any human! I assemble my list every week based on various informal inputs, and I do curate the list to some extent…
I check and verify all the buy links at the time I create the post but after that I’m not responsible.
Wow, so many awesome books this week! Thanks for gathering these and keeping us in the know, Veronica 🙂
Always a wonder, Veronica. Hugs from me on this winter day
Pingback: New Releases in #SciFi #Fantasy and Paranormal Romance for Wednesday January 16 | Veronica Scott