Eagerly Awaited Books for July 2016

There are some months where many of us here at AAR are all chomping at the bit to get our hands on the same few books. And then there are months like this one. When July’s list of books on sale circulated to staff, there was lots of interest. And our interests were very diverse. We’re eagerly looking to read everything from contemporaries to historicals to m/m to fantasy. We’d love to hear what you’re eager to read, too!

Just Kiss Me by Rachel Gibson

Ms. Gibson is an autobuy for me. In this book, Ms. Gibson leaves Texas where her recent books have been set, and moves to Charleston, a city I love. I’m excited for this tale! – Dabney

Rachel Gibson is an auto-buy author for me. While not everyone is a DIK, they continue to entertain me, and I look forward to the different setting for this. – LinnieGayl

I own all of Ms. Gibson’s books and a number of those she has written are on my re-read list. The last couple of books she has published fell a little flat for me, but I am hoping that this one puts her back on top. – Mary

I wasn’t thrilled by her last couple books, but this plot really appeals to me and I’ve enjoyed a lot of her books in the past. – Alex

A Duke to Remember by Kelly Bowen

Ms Bowen made an impression on me last year with her début series, and is continuing to produce well-written, strongly characterised stories. I enjoyed Duke of My Heart, and have high expectations for this latest release. – Caz

The first book in this series was excellent; I thought Ms. Bowen’s focus on a strong heroine in the first book was refreshing. This one focuses on another female working at Chegarre & Associates – an elite agency, run by a woman, that discreetly cleans up messy scandals (aren’t they they best kind?). I’m expecting scandal, a flawed hero and an agent with secrets of her own. Can’t wait. – Emily

I very much enjoyed book one in this series. Ms. Bowen writes well and her heroines kick ass. – Dabney

The Bourbon Thief by Tiffany Reisz

Ms. Reisz truly has a way with words. She often writes books featuring plot points and relationship dynamics that I find disturbing and unsettling, but I find myself drawn to her books again and again because she’s one of those authors that makes me reexamine my own biases and really think. Also, she’s a mighty vivid storyteller. – Lynn

I loved Ms. Reisz’s Original Sinners series, and am eager to see what direction her new stand alone novel will take. – Shannon

A Gift for Guile by Alissa Johnson

I have missed reading her books, so glad she is writing again. – Lee

I’ve been a fan of this author for some time; she’s a great storyteller and brings a lot and warmth and humour to her books. I really liked the last book in this series (A Talent for Trickery) and am looking forward to another enjoyable, witty romance. – Caz

Imprudence by Gail Carriger

This is the second in Ms. Carriger’s latest steampunk series featuring Prudence, the daughter of the hero and heroine of her original parasol protectorate. The first in the series was a DIK for me and to say I’m excited about this is an understatement!!! – LinnieGayl

Gail Carriger’s novels are just so funny! – Rike

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

I’ve heard nothing but great things about this – the story of the isolated crew of a small ship where the characters bounce off each other on a long journey. I love sci-fi that takes on something besides “giant space fleet battles” so this could be right up my alley. – Caroline

That title! I … must … learn … more. Also, angry reviewers called it “childish” and complained about the author’s agenda — so made it sound even more fun. – Anne

Deep Shadows by Venetta Chapman

I like Inspirationals, I like dystopians. Combining them should be interesting. Add in the fact that I like the author and everything about this spells winner. – Maggie

I’ve heard good things about this author, and I have to admit that I’m intrigued by the plot of this book. Since I know Chapman is primarily known for her Amish romances, the change of pace really piqued my interest. – Lynn

As Death Draws Near by Anna Lee Huber

This fifth book in the author’s historical mystery marks the first investigation by the newly married Mr and Mrs Sebastian Gage. Ms Huber writes a tightly woven mystery and has created an engaging and multi-layered central couple. – Caz

I’ve been a huge fan of the series since the first entry. Ms. Huber mixes an interesting cast of characters in her mystery series, as well as well as a wonderful, ongoing romance. I can’t wait to visit Gage and Kiera post-wedding! – LinnieGayl

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

Can’t wait to see Klune’s take on werewolves! – BJ

Make Me Love You by Johanna Lindsey

This set-up is one of my favorites–the forced marriage between feuding families. Plus it’s Ms. Lindsey whose historical novels usually are passionate and full of interesting history. – Dabney

The Angels’ Share by J.R. Ward

The first book in this series ended on a sort of cliffhanger, and I’m counting down the days until this one is released. It promises to be well worth the wait. – Shannon

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

Always interested to read her books as they are set in Australia and her characters can surprise the reader. – Lee

The Trouble With Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon

England 1976 sounds like a fascinating time period and I like mysteries. – Maggie

Forevermore by Kristen Callihan

Is there a level higher than Eagerly Awaiting, like Chomping at the Bit to read? That’s where I am on this one… – Sara

Body Rocks by A.M. Arthur

An m/m book with a pairing between a drummer AND a mysterious violinist? And they’re on rival bands! It sounds promising… – Anne

Cream of the Crop by Alice Clayton

Alice Clayton is officially an autobuy for me, after her last book (Nuts) came out. This is its sequel and I’m excited to see what she’s doing. – Alex

Enslaved by the Desert Trader by Greta Gilbert

Curious about an ancient world historical (Egypt) in which the kidnapped heroine, named Kiya, seems to also be non-white. Could it be an interesting spin on the modern sheikhs-and-Western women? I’m not sure, but I want to find out. – Caroline

Dirty for Me by Jackie Ashenden

This author writes taut erotic romances, the kind that keep you turning pages to the very end. This is the first book in her new Motor City Royals series, a combination underground fighting/mechanic story and I’m expecting good things. – Maria Rose

The Unexpected Marriage of Gabriel Stone by Louise Allen

Louise Allen is an autobuy author for me. – Rike

The Good Fight by Julianna Keyes

With a hero who is tortured but doesn’t wallow and a heroine who’s trying to learn to be empathetic, sparks are bound to fly. – Heather

Fierce & Fabulous by Elizabeth Varlet

Behind the Sassy Boyz’s seductive smiles and sinful dance moves…Sounds like a Summer read to me! – BJ

Mata Hari’s Last Dance by Michelle Moran

I’ve loved all of Ms. Moran’s historical novels. This one looks captivating, another excellent story featuring a strong, independent heroine. – Shannon

To Have and To Hold by Serena Bell

Part of her returning home series about wounded war veterans, this story takes a big of a different turn in that it’s about an already established couple. Hunter’s wounds include amnesia, and this one promises to be emotionally challenging as he struggles to remember his wife Trina and their life together before his injuries. It’s an interesting premise for a second chance romance and I’m looking forward to it. – Maria Rose