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).
I have a New Release!!! I’m really excited to release three Sectors stories that have only been available previously in anthologies, none of which are available currently. (I know many of you purchased the Pets In Space anthology, which first contained STAR CRUISE STOWAWAY and thank you so much!) Along with STOWAWAY, I’ve really been wanting to get the other two stories out there for you, especially THE GOLDEN TOKEN, which was only in the limited edition paperback we handed out at last year’s RT Booklovers Conference. So I’ve bundled them ALL into one book with the lengthy title STAR CRUISE A NOVELLA: STOWAWAY WITH RESCUE AND GOLDEN TOKEN SHORT STORIES.
Here are the story descriptions:
Star Cruise: Stowaway: A novella of 22K words, previously in the ‘Pets In Space’ anthology.
Cargo Master Owen Embersson is shocked when the Nebula Zephyr’s ship’s cat and her alien sidekick, Midorri, alert him to the presence of a stowaway. He has no idea of the dangerous complications to come nor does he anticipate falling hard for the woman whose life he now holds in his hands. Life aboard the Nebula Zephyr has just become more interesting – and deadly.
Star Cruise: Rescue: A short story of 9K words, previously in the ‘Romancing the Stars’ anthology.
When a shore leave excursion goes terribly wrong for Mira Gage, a member of the Nebula Zephyr’s crew, Security Officer Clint Miltan races the clock to find her before the ship leaves orbit and abandons Mira to her fate. Clint’s got more than a professional interest in Mira, but will he be able to save her from the aliens holding her prisoner?
The Golden Token: A short story of 13K words, previously in the limited edition ‘Dealer’s Choice’ paperback anthology handed out at the 2016 RT Booklovers Convention Interstellar Bar & Grille event.
Sectors Special Forces operator Charlie McBrire had a few days to kill on a layover at Space Station 47. He never expected to find himself in the middle of a miners’ rebellion, fighting to save the life of a casino dancer he just met but can’t imagine living without.
THERON: HELL SQUAD by Anna Hackett
VS Note: Always exciting to have a new entry in this series! I hit that one click button.
Sienna Rossi has always been a mix of contradictions. She loves ice cream, likes cooking, and is skilled at taking down aliens with her squad. Sweet and tough, soldier and woman, most people can’t seem to make sense of her…even the loving family she lost in the invasion and especially men. One man accepts her as she is, her best friend Theron. But the big, silent, muscled soldier has her firmly in the ‘friends’ zone…except that Sienna knows he wants her, and she’s determined to claim the stubborn man as hers.
Theron Wade lives to fight aliens. They killed his parents, his foster siblings, and his fellow Rangers. Now he has a new team–the tough, mostly-female Squad Nine. But one certain female haunts his dreams and stars in his darkest fantasies. Sienna is his sunshine in the darkness. He wants to her to be happy…and he knows that would never be with a man like him. A man with darker, rougher tastes that would shock her.
As Squad Nine works to track and destroy a dangerous alien device, best friends collide. Theron introduces Sienna to a world of rough, edgy passion that she craves. But as a mission goes off track, the two of them will risk everything for love, for their lives, and to save the world.
VERKIIR (WARRIORS OF THE KARUVAR BOOK 1) by Alana Serra and Juno Wells
Between her work as a nurse and trying to keep her teenage sister from doing something stupid, Meg Cauthran has her hands full. Since the death of her parents from malfunctioning alien technology, Meg has lived with one simple truth: The aliens are nothing but trouble. And when she’s assigned to a Karuvar medical facility, the impossibly sexy, incredibly possessive Verkiir proves just how right she is.
As First Guardian, Verkiir fer Vel’a is entrusted with the very future of the Karuvar–protecting the Pathfinder’s only son. Despite his people’s tales of fated mates, Verkiir only believes in one thing: His duty. But when he lays eyes on the feisty Meg, all he can think about is claiming all of her–heart, body, and soul–for his own…
THE SKY REGENCY by J L Carter
It’s 1810, and Europe is at war as Napoleon stages his great march across the continent and the British Empire battles the threat. King George III’s illness leaves him raving about sky invasions—rants that his courtiers dismiss as the thoughts of a madman.
Margaret Swinton has her own problems; unwillingly promised to Julian Barwick, Duke of Bridgewater and a royal insider, she struggles to find feelings for him, something that her family cannot understand.
However, History will soon be transformed when strange lights start to appear over England: a new invader with a power that easily overwhelms the primitive British forces. As George III repeals the Regency Act, Margaret meets Aidar, the gorgeous and dreaded Prince of the Sky Men.
Margaret quickly finds herself trapped in a deadly, deceit-filled love triangle in a world that has changed forever. The stakes are high, and one wrong move could easily spell disaster…
INTERVIEWS, ALIENS AND SEDUCTION (VEGA SPACE VACATIONS BOOK 2) by Lia Davis
Amaya Parker is leaving her home on Earth to interview for a job with the Angeldale Resorts on Vega. With no family holding her to Earth, no one would miss her if she moved to the galaxy’s elite vacation planet. After checking into her hotel room, she runs into two sexy aliens who seem focused on seducing her.
The resort manager Alexus and Finance Director Drayk have known each other their whole lives, becoming lovers as they entered adulthood. They fear they would have to part ways if either ever finds their true mate. When they meet the beautiful human, Amaya, they know instantly she is a mate for both of them. Seduction becomes the name of the game.
ALIEN BOUNTY HUNTER (MAREK’S STORY) BY Brittany Love
Marek hunts deadly creatures throughout the galaxy for money, protecting the people on The Hundred Innocent Planets. While hunting a vicious Florthec on the planet Vyron, his hunt is interrupted when the beast grabs one of the inhabitants, and tries to devour her. Marek saves the beautiful woman, but now she’s seen him and that’s forbidden.
Princess Oren has run from her father because he wants to force her to marry the disgusting Prince Sly…
A BABY FOR THE ALIEN PRINCE (CELESTIAL MATES) by Miranda Martin
Take a Human female as a mate on the off chance of saving his race? Absurd.
At least that’s what Prince Elorshin Do’ana thinks. It’s true, the Alvan race is dying. There have been no new births in years and if they don’t do something, their entire race is doomed. However, Elorshin doesn’t want to bind himself to a mate that can’t fully share in the fated bond that all Alvan crave. Forced into a marriage by a House more powerful than his own, Prince Elorshin doesn’t think he will ever know happiness, that is until he meets his bright, luscious bride.
Margot Whelan wants two things, one of which she will never have. Love and a baby. The second can’t happen, not as long as she’s on Earth. Population control is too strict. When she sees an advertisement for the Celestial Mates Dating Agency she decides to take the chance…
CARGON (CARGON TRILOGY BOOK 1) by Kimberley Gould
VS Note: I’ve been reading snippets from this book on the Weekend Writing Warriors blog hop and it’s been quite intriguing.
In a post-apocalyptic world, a lowly servant is at the front of a second renaissance.
Eve is born to the lowest caste, but her sharp mind brings her to the attention of the elite.
In an unprecedented move, she initiates a game of Cargon, the method elite use to rank themselves, and wins a place among them. From within, she sparks new ideas, ones that will literally enlighten her world.
Can she balance the sacrifices that come with her new privilege? Will she marry a partner that will bring her honor as well as love?
UNNATURAL ALLIES (SHIFTING ALLIANCES BOOK 2) by Shari Elder
VS Note: I’m intrigued by a rat shifter novel. Yup, I one clicked after reading the sample.
In a changing world, violent fae encroachment on shifter land makes the impossible necessary—an alliance between predator and prey.
Nicca Baron, wolf beta, balks when assigned to a mission led by Evan Grant, the rat alpha. In different circumstances, he’d be dinner, or so her wolf keeps reminding her. But Evan proves to be a perceptive leader, a skilled fighter, and irresistible to her lonely heart…
COLD REIGN (JANE YELLOWROCK) by Faith Hunter
VS Note: I’ve somehow never gotten into this series, don’t know if there’s a romance but I known it’s a wildly popular series! I’ll have to maybe go back and try Book 1.
Jane walks softly and carries a big stake to keep the peace in New Orleans, all part of her job as official Enforcer to Leo Pellissier, Master of the City. But Leo’s reign is being threatened by a visit from a delegation of ancient European vampires seeking to expand their dominions.
And there’s another danger to the city. When she hears reports of revenant vampires, loose in NOLA and out for blood, Jane goes to put them down—and discovers there’s something unusual about these revenants. They never should have risen.
Jane must test her strength against a deadly, unnatural magic beyond human understanding, and a ruthless cadre of near-immortals whose thirst for power knows no bounds…
BORROWED SOULS (A SOUL CHARMER NOVEL) by Chelsea Mueller
Callie Delgado always puts family first, and unfortunately her brother knows it. She’s emptied her savings, lost work, and spilled countless tears trying to keep him out of trouble, but now he’s in deeper than ever, and his debt is on Callie’s head. She’s given a choice: do some dirty work for the mob, or have her brother returned to her in tiny pieces.
Renting souls is big business for the religious population of Gem City. Those looking to take part in immoral—or even illegal—activity can borrow someone else’s soul, for a price, and sin without consequence.
To save her brother, Callie needs a borrowed soul, but she doesn’t have anywhere near the money to pay for it….
JUSTUS (WERE ZOO BOOK 4) by R E Butler
When Trina Potter arrives at the Amazing Adventures Safari Park to apply for a job at her cousin’s sweets shop, she doesn’t expect to meet the man of her dreams at the front gate, or that his kisses would drive her senseless.
Bear shifter Justus Dorne would love to meet his soulmate. The weekly park VIP tours so far have netted him zero meetings with the one female meant to be his…
TEMPTED BY FATE (BAD THINGS BOOK 6) by Cynthia Eden
VS Note: I’m enjoying this series so this is on my TBR List.
Leo is used to having power. After all, he carries the title Lord of the Light for a reason–he’s a supernatural powerhouse and his job is protect all of the “light” paranormals in the world. He’s used to snapping his fingers and getting anything–or anyone–he wants. But when he fell for Fate, Leo learned that power didn’t get a man everything. In fact, it didn’t even get him the one woman he wanted most…
Fate…AKA Mora (that’s the name she prefers to use–a lot less weighty on her shoulders) has spent centuries hiding from her supernatural ex-lover Leo…
MY DEFENDER (BEWITCHED AND BEWILDERED BOOK 8) by Alanea Alder
When a mysterious illness begins to sweep through Noctem Falls affecting the children, Eleanor Kimball is called to the city to see if she can determine what is wrong. As a pediatrician Eleanor loves children and desires many of her own, however, after several dating disasters she has not only sworn off men, but has given up her dream of a family, and the promise of a destined mate.
After discovering Grant in Noctem Falls she is faced with her own insecurities and finds it hard to believe in his love.
Grant Douglas is a man of few words and doesn’t do well surrounded by others…
THE DRAGON LADY by Angelique S Anderson
Wylie Petford suffers extreme tragedy, only to discover that she holds great purpose.
The Dracosinum, a magical device with a key to her heritage, will unlock her future while leaving her love Lord Adrian in the past.
The loss of her closest friendship, the taking over of her home and town by Villainous Lord Ukridge…. is there no good to come from her life?
Now, with the odds against her, she has one chance to become who she is meant to be, escape her shackles and defeat the Lord Jameston.
THE GUNS ABOVE (SIGNAL AIRSHIP) by Robyn Bennis
VS Note: Not sure there’s much romance going on but the reviews seemed pretty favorable.
For Josette Dupre, the Corps’ first female airship captain, it might just be a bullet in the back.
On top of patrolling the front lines, she must also contend with a crew who doubts her expertise, a new airship that is an untested deathtrap, and the foppish aristocrat Lord Bernat, a gambler and shameless flirt with the military know-how of a thimble. Bernat’s own secret assignment is to catalog her every moment of weakness and indecision.
So when the enemy makes an unprecedented move that could turn the tide of the war, can Josette deal with Bernat, rally her crew, and survive long enough to prove herself?
A FIRE IN THE BLOOD by Amanda Ashley
“I see a man. He is old. Very old. He will come into your life in a moment of danger. He will watch over you and protect you.” The gypsy’s hand gripped Tessa’s tighter. “He will bring you death,” she whispered, her voice like the rustle of dry leaves. “And life.”
Ten years later, when Andrei Dinescu saves Tessa from a vicious attacker, she has no idea that the handsome stranger the gypsy fortune teller predicted is not a hunter but a seven-hundred-year-old vampire. Darkly powerful, unbelievably compelling, he is obviously pursuing Tessa, but is it her love he’s after or her blood?
FAR FROM CENTER: AN IMP WORLD NOVEL by Debra Dunbar
The archangel Gabriel has a score to settle. Rebellion has destroyed Aaru, and the angel that started it all is still on the loose. Gabriel will go to any lengths to make the rebel pay for his crimes, but, what the he didn’t bank on was being magically deprived of his powers and having to partner with a human and two demons.
Assuming a physical form opens an angel to sensation in all its tempting glory. And in his quest to bring about angelic justice, Gabriel will discover what it really means to sin.
ONCE BITTEN (THE WOLVES OF HEMLOCK HOLLOW) by Heather McCorkle
One night was all it took to change everything. One moment of weakness, and now I’m becoming. Werewolves were supposed to be things only seen in movies, not things that exist in real life. Instead of med school and homework, my life is filled with a laundry list of things that were once impossibilities. Groups fighting over whom I belong to. The possibility of dying if I don’t learn everything before the next full moon. Figuring out how to survive in a world I never knew existed. But the biggest danger? Ty: history professor, super sexy Viking werewolf, and the man who’s been assigned by the Council to teach me how to survive becoming a werewolf.
FASHIONABLY FANGED by Robyn Peterman
VS Note: I love the tone of the blurb! I have a feeling I’d really love this book, so I put it on the trusty TBR List.
I have to trap the most evil, worst bad dude in existence without actually turning him to ash. So, what’s a Vampyre to do?
For starters, enter an undead beauty pageant—in Oklahoma—where the hair is jacked and the contestants are busty and brainless.
My name is Venus. I’m a two-hundred-year old killing machine and I’m trading in my daggers and sword for a sparkly dress and an obscene swim suit. Tiny strips of Lycra are not my typical battle wear, but when in Oklahoma…
Armed with a fairly decent attitude, two debatably heterosexual insane old ladies, a woman I’d wanted to kill less than eight hours ago and the possible love of my undead life, I’m in over my head with this. Of course I have no clue what this is going to entail, but that’s never stopped me before.
I’m learning quickly nothing is as it seems—not my past and least of all my future. With the not-so-angelic Angels watching our every move and more butt glue, lipstick and hairspray than I knew existed, I’m gonna take my fate by the balls and twist. Hard.
In a race with death for the cursed life of the man I’m falling in love with, there’s no room for error. Especially when I can’t decide if I’d rather head butt him or jump his sexy bones.
Mixed up in a tangled trap of spotlights, sequins and seduction, I’m gunning for a crown and my happily ever after with the arrogant alpha-hole who makes me feel alive.
And the winner is…
Hopefully me.
THE DRAGON’S PET by Loki Renard
When her plane goes down near the front line of the ongoing war between humans and dragons, Aria comes face to face with one of the enemy, and then the terrible beast transforms before her eyes into a huge, devastatingly handsome man. Taken captive and brought back to the dragon’s lair, she quickly discovers that he intends to keep her as not only his prisoner, but his pet…
HER MATES (WOLF TRIALS BOOK 1) by Tamara White
Dani has been hidden from the packs all her life for fear of being found and killed by the same person that murdered her mother but now it’s time to reclaim her title.
As the future Alpha Queen, she must compete in the trials with her mates to prove she’s worthy to rule her people. She must choose the mate who will be right to lead alongside her but little does she know, her choice will change her whole world.
Join Dani in this new Reverse Harem novel as she learns about a world she had been kept from. She meets multiple mates and is faced with the impossible choice of choosing one to lead with her as part of the Alpha Pair.
How can she choose one, when she loves them all?
SLITHER by Melody Steiner
VS Note: Saw this one discussed on the Whiskey With My Book Blog
Elanor of Onyx, enslaved by the dragons who scorched her kin and country, is determined to escape her island prison.
When the changeling dragon, Adom, demands that Elanor come with him to the mainland on a secret mission, she sees the opportunity she’s been waiting for—a chance to exact her revenge. But when his actions take a surprising twist, Elanor begins to suspect that maybe things are not as they seem.
With a plot brewing against the mainland king, alliances are tested and Elanor discovers a secret that will forever change the way she views the slithering dragons—and herself.
WITCH’S STONE by Jamaila Brinkley
Duncan Lowell’s explosive magic is fueled by an equally explosive temper. He’s stayed away from the earldom he rules from afar to escape memories of his vicious father. But when he must return, other memories surface, too – of his childhood friend and conspirator, Fiona: the future Witch of Kilgoran.
Fiona Fanshawe has dedicated her life to the people of Kilgoran. After tragedy marred her family, she’s vowed to stay aloof, serve the village, and never marry. When Duncan arrives, demanding that she retrieve the Stone that caused her family so much pain, she’s forced to re-evaluate all of her choices.
Duncan’s demons make him fear hurting those he loves; Fiona’s make her terrified of getting hurt. Now, the witch and the earl will have to decide whether they will be more dangerous together – or apart.
WITHIN THE SANCTUARY OF WINGS (A MEMOIR BY LADY TRENT) by Marie Brennan
VS Note: I debated whether to add this, have not read the series or the book, no idea re romance or not, but it all sounded so delightfully quirky, plus dragons (!) that I decided to leave it up to you, dear readers. It’s price-y though…
After nearly five decades (and, indeed, the same number of volumes), one might think they were well-acquainted with the Lady Isabella Trent–dragon naturalist, scandalous explorer, and perhaps as infamous for her company and feats of daring as she is famous for her discoveries and additions to the scientific field.
And yet–after her initial adventure in the mountains of Vystrana, and her exploits in the depths of war-torn Eriga, to the high seas aboard The Basilisk, and then to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia–the Lady Trent has captivated hearts along with fierce minds. This concluding volume will finally reveal the truths behind her most notorious adventure–scaling the tallest peak in the world, buried behind the territory of Scirland’s enemies–and what she discovered there, within the Sanctuary of Wings.
BEAUTY CONQUERS THE BEAST by Jenny Schwartz
Lady Nora and Prince Alexander were never friends, and she can’t think of anyone more deserving of the curse that made him the Beast of the Sighaway Forest. But when six princesses from neighboring kingdoms fail to break the curse, it’s more than just the big and brutish Alexander who is suffering.
For her country, and out of an overdeveloped sense of duty, Nora will enter the beast’s castle. She’ll fight mysterious magic and confront the secrets of her heart, but the elusive beast remains untamable.
The shocking solution to breaking the curse will change Nora’s life forever.
ONE TRUE MATE 5: SHIFTER’S ROGUE by Lisa Ladew
If Mac ran the world, everything would be better. Everyone would say what they felt, mean what they said, and never, ever get offended. At least that’s what he thought his own personal utopia would look like, until he met Rogue.
Rogue’s life was just fine, thank you very much. An expert in her chosen field of danger and lies, she was well on her way to retiring by 30, as long as she could keep her curious mental slide under control. Until that hot-as-sin cop showed up, turning her life upside down, bringing her everything she’d always-and never-wanted.
THE HUNDREDTH QUEEN by Emily R King
VS Note: I thought this one sounded intriguing so I’m still debating whether to one click or add to TBR.
As an orphan ward of the Sisterhood in the ancient Tarachand Empire, eighteen-year-old Kalinda is destined for nothing more than a life of seclusion and prayer. Plagued by fevers, she’s an unlikely candidate for even a servant’s position, let alone a courtesan or wife. Her sole dream is to continue living in peace in the Sisterhood’s mountain temple.
But a visit from the tyrant Rajah Tarek disrupts Kalinda’s life. Within hours, she is ripped from the comfort of her home, set on a desert trek, and ordered to fight for her place among the rajah’s ninety-nine wives and numerous courtesans. Her only solace comes in the company of her guard, the stoic but kind Captain Deven Naik.
Faced with the danger of a tournament to the death—and her growing affection for Deven—Kalinda has only one hope for escape, and it lies in an arcane, forbidden power buried within her.
RED WOLF by Jennifer Ashley
VS Note: This one really appealed to me so I added it to my TBR list.
A man is only as strong…
Red wolf Shifter Dimitri has fought his whole life for respect. It is claimed that red wolves are tainted with coyote blood and therefore not pure. He may not be skilled at verbally defending himself, but because he’s a bodyguard, tracker, and champion of the fight clubs, his fists are always ready for some rough and tumble. However, he’d prefer a roll in the hay with the woman who is his oldest friend.
…as the woman who’s got his back…
A spirited leopard Shifter and a fellow tracker, Jaycee Bordeaux has no problem forging a mate bond with Dimitri, but soon the two are called to infiltrate a rogue group bent on enslaving Shifters. Jaycee may have defended Dimitri from taunts before, but they now face a more lethal danger—one that threatens not only the future of their people, but also their love.
HER WISH (A PLAYBOY GENIE ROMANCE) by Sophie H. Morgan
Charlie’s sick of Genies. Too beautiful, too sure of themselves, too “celebrity”. And way too eager to grant wishes in the worldwide Lottery that entices mortals into buying tickets in the hope of winning their desires. Charlie would rather walk naked through Times Square than buy a ticket. Unfortunately, her friend springs for one in Charlie’s name – and it gets picked. She refuses to get sucked in and has no qualms about saying so to the famously arrogant, devilishly handsome Genie at her door. Sexy Blue Eyes will just have to take no for an answer.
Jax Michaels would love to take no for an answer. As the most famous Genie on the East Coast, known for his sex appeal, his cheeky interviews, and his roguish style of granting wishes, he only has to turn to the next in line to find a willing partner…
ALL SYSTEMS RED by Martha Wells
VS Note: Hard scifi so no romance (that I know of) but I read an excerpt and was highly intrigued so I one clicked. The ‘murderbot’s’ POV was fascinating in the excerpt I saw! I liked ‘his’ sense of humor and sarcasm.
In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.
But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.
On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.
But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it’s up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.
AMERICAN DEMON HUNTERS: SACRIFICE by Lindsay Buroker and others
VS Note: OK this is horror and not romance but got good reviews if one enjoys that type of thing, altho one reviewer does warn “Not for the faint of heart!”. I can’t read horror any more – my imagination is too vivid and then I can’t sleep.
A relic thief.
An ex-military Mom.
A grief-stricken father willing to do anything to save his son.
An American Demon Hunter.
All aboard the 8.05pm from Chicago to New Orleans for 19 hours that will change their lives.
When the relic of an ancient blood cult is used to summon the dead and open a portal to the beyond, demons escape onto the train. As the body count rises, each must fight to save their own lives and those of the people they love. New friendships are forged in the battles and love blossoms in the carnage.
But who will have to pay the ultimate sacrifice?
LINKS TO RECENT NEW RELEASES POSTS from Veronica:
**************************************************************
My standard Notes and Caveats:
It’s a mix of the genres in no particular order. Also the term “new” is generally plus or minus a week or two. I try to catch up on ones I missed in recent months.
(NOTE: If the author provides me with buy links I insert those; otherwise I default to Amazon and iBooks. Pricing and availability are current as of the day I prepare the post – things can change fast in the ebook world LOL.)
Also, I often include only the beginning of the book blurb…