Coming Soon… October 2017

It’s time once again to look ahead to the books we’re looking forward to getting stuck into next month, and as the nights are drawing in, I’m sure we’re all looking for reads to help us curl up and forget the encroaching cold.  AAR staffers have chosen quite a diverse bunch of titles as those we’re most looking forward to in October – some big names and favourite authors (Jackie Ashenden, Karen Harper, Elizabeth Hoyt, Eloisa James) have new books out this month, and maybe our picks of some less familiar names might encourage you to give something new a try.

Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt (17 Oct)

I admit, I’m not quite convinced by the set up for this that we glimpsed at the end of Duke of Pleasure, but what the hell – this is the final full-length Maiden Lane novel and as such marks the end of an era.  Elizabeth Hoyt has done an incredible job, writing books of consistently high standard complete with inventive plots and likeable characters.  I’m eager to read Duke of Desire, but will be sad to say goodbye.  – Caz

Elizabeth Hoyt’s Maiden Lane series ranks high amongst my favorite historical romances, and Duke of Desire is the final installment in the series. I’m both sad and excited to read it. – Shannon

A/BN/iB/K

Wilde in Love by Eloisa James (31 Oct)

I have been a fan of Eloisa James and her books for more than a decade now. While some of her fairytale books weren’t up my alley, her previous books set in the Georgian period are on my keeper shelves. I am looking forward to her new foray into the same era with a heroine in love with books. – Keira

In all honesty, some of Ms. James’ newer releases have been hit or miss for me, but that doesn’t quiet my anticipation for this one. I’m always intrigued to see what she crafts and how the HEA weaves into being and this release is no different. – Kristen

A/BN/iB/K

The Love Experiment by Ainslie Paton

I had this book for review and it’s the best thing I’ve read all year. A hard-driving crime journalist and a newbie lifestyle writer are thrown together by a writing assignment, but their relationship rapidly becomes much more. If The Hating Game and a Julie James novel had a baby, you’d get The Love Experiment. I can’t wait for it to come out so the rest of you can enjoy it as much as I did. – Caroline

I really enjoy Ainslie Paton’s unique voice in contemporary romance and this story definitely sounds like something worth reading. A study designed to foster intimacy by answering 36 questions brings together a rookie reporter intent on holding her job and and an established writer who has no interest in being part of her story. Sounds like love to me! – Maria Rose

A/BN/iB/K

We’re also looking forward to…

Alex:

The Sea King by C.L. Wilson. (31 Oct)

I have been excited about this book since I read The Winter King (first in the Weathermages of Mystral series) a couple years ago. The fantasy epic immediately scored a place of honor on my DIK list and I’ve awaited the next installment in the series ever since. I’ve already blocked off my early-November schedule in anticipation of the time I’ll be devoting to this book!

A/BN/iB/K

Anne:

Tortall: A Spy’s Guide by Tamora Pierce

In the past couple of years, I’ve devoured two of Tamora Pierce’s Tortall series, and I’m nearly finished another. Now I find out that there’s a guidebook! I can’t wait for this to show up.

A/BN/iB/K

A Line in the Dark by Malinda Lo

There have been young adult psychological thrillers arriving in the wake of Gone Girl, but few interested me as much as this one. Jess Wong is in love with her best friend Angie. When Angie starts to fall in love with a rich girl, they all get dragged into a dark and twisty plot.

A/BN/iB/K

Without Merit: A Novel by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover started out as one of the first and most popular “new adult” novelists. I’d love to see what she does with a psychological suspense novel that has been compared to Liane Moriarty and Jojo Moyes.

A/BN/iB/K

Caz:

An Unsuitable Heir by K.J. Charles (3 Oct)

I loved the previous books in the Sins of the Cities series and am looking forward to having all the loose ends in this splendid Victorian mystery series tied up.  Plus, it’s K.J. Charles and anything she writes is worth reading!

A/BN/iB/K

Lord Hunter’s Cinderella Heiress by Lara Temple (17 Oct)

It seems lately that every other Mills and Boon historical I’ve read has the word “Cinderella” in the title!  Still, I’ve been impressed with Ms. Temple’s other books and am looking forward to reading this story of a put-upon young woman who knows nothing of her betrothal until she sees the announcement in the paper!

A/BN/iB/K

A Daring Arrangement by Joanna Shupe (31 Oct)

I remember reading Joanna Shupe’s début novel a few years back and thinking she was one to watch.  The premise of this – a fake engagement between an English Lady and an American financial genius with a talent for getting his name into the scandal sheets – promises much and I’m sure Ms. Shupe will deliver.

A/BN/iB/K

Keira:

Right Where We Belong by Brenda Novak (31 Oct)

I used to be a big fan of Brenda Novak and her books back in the day. And with Right Where We Belong, I’m ready to dive back into the world of her wonderful stories. And I have a weakness for redemption arcs and big-hearted characters.

A/BN/iB/K

Kristen:

Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

I have loved Ms. Egan’s past works, but this is her first foray into historical fiction. Set when the cultural positions of women and men were shifting around the second World War, Manhattan Beach tells the story of one particular woman in the midst of the changing tides. I can’t wait to explore this conversation through Ms. Egan’s deft prose and rich characterizations which have been hallmarks of her previous work.

A/BN/iB/K

Lee:

Dead Stop by Barbara Nickless (3 Oct)

This is the second book in the series about a railroad police special agent and her K9 dog.  After reading the author’s first book (and learning all about railroad cops), I’m definitely looking forward to her new book.

A/BN/iB/K

Maggie:

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

A tale about Morse code, a lost legacy and an unlikely alliance between an antagonistic hero and heroine. Not only do I love the idea of the plot, Camden is a favorite writer and I am looking forward to seeing her put her unique spin on the tale.

A/BN/iB/K

Where We Belong  by Lynn Austin

Location, location, location. I love any historical that leaves the U.S. or Britain and takes us somewhere exotic.  This is a story of an Indiana Jones style treasure hunt in the Sinai desert, so it was bound to capture my attention. Add in the fact that Austin is one of my favorite Inspirational authors and it turned into something I couldn’t resist.

A/BN/iB/K

Christmas at the Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan

A favorite writer, tales of baked goods and the schmaltz of a Christmas tale.  I can hardly wait.

A/BN/iB/K

Maria Rose:

The Wicked Billionaire by Jackie Ashenden (3 Oct)

I’m always up for reading a Jackie Ashenden romance since she brings heat and intensity to everything she writes. This is the second story in the Tate Brothers series and Lucas Tate is a Navy SEAL who finds himself protecting a former teammate’s widow – and naturally, falling in love with her at the same time.

A/BN/iB/K

Slap Shot by Kelly Jamieson (17 Oct)

The fifth story in the Aces Hockey series stars Max Hall who is ready to leave behind the grief of losing his beloved wife to cancer and move forward – with his hockey career and by getting back in the dating game. With a keen grasp of the game both on and off the ice, and the ability to write strong characters and sexy love scenes, I’m looking forward to seeing how the author has given Max his second chance at a happy ending.

A/BN/iB/K

Mary:

The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne (3 Oct)

Kerrigan Bryne’s Victorian Rebels series is one of my favorite in historical romance. I love her complex storylines, interesting characters and smoldering sexual tension. In The Scots Beds His Wife a pants-wearing Scottish heroine enters into a marriage of convenience to safeguard her secrets, but we know marriages of convenience never turn out to really be convenient.

A/BN/iB/K

Ruthless King by Meghan March (17 Oct)

I’m a big fan of Meghan March and have been awaiting her Mount Trilogy in which one of the most powerful men in New Orleans is collecting on a debt, and he’s playing dirty. But I predict the heroine will give him a run for his money. This is going to be a little dark and a lot sexy. Although it does end in a cliffhanger, thankfully, books two and three release within a month of each other, so the wait will not be unbearable.

A/BN/iB/K

Scored by Sloane Howell (17 Oct)

If you couldn’t guess, Sloane Howell is a male romance author – sort of a unicorn in the genre. I loved the first book in this series, Bossed, and cannot wait for Scored in which a professional baseball player meets his match in a woman with lots of sass. It will be smoking hot with loads of snarky, flirty banter and laugh-out-loud moments.

A/BN/iB/K

Shannon:

The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain (3 Oct)

I haven’t read a Diane Chamberlain novel I haven’t loved, and I’m super anxious to read her latest work. It’s set during the Second World War, a time period I really enjoy reading about. This is her first attempt at writing a historical novel, and I can’t wait to see what she does with this.

A/BN/iB/K

Hello Again by Brenda Novak (3 Oct)

Evelyn Talbott is a fascinating heroine, and I’m excited to learn more about her. Hello Again promises to be chock full of thrilling romance and spine-tingling suspense, making it the perfect book to curl up with as the fall weather descends upon my part of the world.

A/BN/iB/K

The It Girls by Karen Harper (24 Oct)

The It Girls promises to be everything I love in a historical novel with scandal and family loyalty at the forefront. I’m counting down the days until its release.

A/BN/iB/K

These are the books we’re most looking forward to reading in the next month or so.  What new releases are YOU excited about?  Stop by and tell us in the comments.