Thursday, January 28, 2021

February Releases I'm Excited About

 


Ahh it's almost February! That means it's time to talk about new releases I'm excited about.

There are SO many books that I am looking forward to this month. Today I am going to share the 8 that have my complete attention. Oh and there is one POPULAR book on my list, so chances are you might be looking forward to it also.

I do know there is also a Nora Roberts book releasing, but I haven't looked into it yet. I don't know what it's about, or if it's a series or a standalone. It really shouldn't matter, but yet it does. Especially since I am series obsessed. I think I've only ever read one of her standalones, and if I remember correctly that was Montana Sky. That was also my intro book to Nora's writing. Ahh memories. 

What 8 books have grabbed my attention? Keep on reading.

The Edge of Happiness by Kristin Turnage

The Edge of Happiness is a New Adult, small town romance that releases on February 5, 2021. This book takes you on an emotional trip. Or at least it did for me when I was reading the book. (I was provided an ARC of the book for review, and ended up falling in love with it.) Trigger warning for those who may be sensitive to the material, self harm and suicide are both mentioned in the storyline. 

This story takes us on Cassie's journey to understanding, discovering herself, and ultimately healing. I do suggest, if you are an emotional person like I am, to have tissues on hand.

Here is the description for the book:
Cassie Davis is the girl you’d look over in a crowd. She isn’t the life of the party, she’s the DD. The responsible one, the reliable one, the one you can count on. That’s who she is. 

When her best friend dies a tragic death on her watch, her life starts to fall apart. The guilt and shame take their toll. Therapists aren’t helping and her dad’s out of options. That’s until her estranged Uncle calls out of the blue, giving her dad the idea of sending her to his small NC hometown for the summer. 

Her goal is to fix herself, to find her happiness somewhere amidst the chaos. But, she’s not ready for the smooth talking, gorgeous guy that gets injected into her life. Staying away from him would be best, but when he speaks to her, she feels her hope inside come alive. When he touches her, her world that’s full of chaos and confusion, freezes. 

Ryan’s someone that’s never struggled in the looks department. His wounds are deep and he’s not looking for someone to mend them. After his long-time girlfriend cheated on him and ended up pregnant, Ryan doesn’t want to get tied down ever again. He wants to live out his life, working on his family’s farm, and that’s it. 

Parties and unattached sex are his new norm, trying to find happiness wherever he can. That’s until her eyes make him feel stupid things in his chest. Ryan doesn’t want to give himself to anyone again, but when she smiles, his world lights up. 

When they’re both on the edge of happiness, will they risk it all for each other?


Only One Touch by Natasha Madison


Only One Touch is the FOURTH book in the Only One series by Natasha Madison. Something I recently learned though (courtesy of her facebook group) is that it is NOT the last book in the series. Oh no folks, we have FOUR MORE books coming. I am giddy over this. GIDDY I tell you. Back to Only One Touch though.

If you read Only One Night, then you probably remember how the book ended. We found out that Nico, the owner of the Dallas Oilers, randomly got married. What? Well in this book we'll find out the whole story. 

Here's the teaser:
Nico

When I inherited the Dallas Oilers from my father , I became one of the youngest owners in hockey history. Even though the team was at the bottom of the hockey standings,

I had big plans to change that and bring the Cup to Dallas.

Falling in love was something I never believed would happen to me.

You’d think I was getting everything I ever wanted with the girl and the winning record, but I still have a promise to fulfill to my childhood best friend.

Becca

Never let them see you sweat has been my life motto since I decided to make a name for myself as the most-sought-after sport agent.

I know what it takes to close a deal, and only want one thing—to be the best.

Until I felt his touch one night, and everything I thought I knew was forgotten. Nico is everything I've never let myself want.

But all my cards came crashing down the minute I read the headlines.

It takes only one touch to change everything!
AHHHH! I freaking love this series and cannot wait to read it. Is it February 9th yet?

About a Boy by Stephanie Kay


If you read my Hockey Romance part three blog post, then you know that I am familiar with Stephanie Kay. I was drawn into the San Fransisco Strikers series, and I'm hoping that this non-hockey book will have the same effect.

About a Boy is part of a 15 book series, called All American Boys, that is written by a wide variety of romance authors. I'm not familiar with the other authors, so I'm not certain if I will go read the rest of the series. We'll just have to see if any of the other books appeal to me or not.

I'm going into this book knowing nothing. And honestly, I'm okay with that. I trust the author, and it's because of her other books that I'm giving this one a try.

Here is what I learned on Amazon:
Graphic designer Maddie Lanzi is still figuring out her life. Her freelance business is up and sort of running, but something is missing---her best friend. The only constant in her life since birth. Inseparable. Until a year ago.

Pastry chef Marco Marchetti has spent the last year in Paris honing his skill with all things chocolate. Life is good. The only thing that could make it better is having his best friend Maddie by his side. Now he’s heading stateside to make truffles for her brother’s wedding. He’s excited to see his family, but all he really wants is to hang with Maddie. They're even rooming together, just like when they were kids.

When a hotel mix-up turns two queen beds into one massive king-size, he's seeing his best friend in a whole new light. Will a weekend of passion turn into a lifetime together or will Marco be heading back to Paris alone?

Lanzi...What a minute...Is she related to one of the females from the San Fransisco Striker series? I think she is! Either that or it's a coincidence. But I'm leaning towards related. Hmmm, now I'm even more curious.

Only Once by Ashley Munoz



Confession: I only know of Only Once because of Instagram. There was a cover release blast, and it appeared in my feed A LOT. (which is fine. I appreciate what these bookstagrammers do. I know I love to participate in those promos) After reading the blurb, I immediately pre-ordered it.  What can I say except between the cover and the description, I knew I had to check it out. Influence away bookstagram! You'll get me every so often. 

So here is the info:

Breaking news: Hollywood’s biggest heartthrob, Ryan Prince, was caught vacationing in his hometown, but who’s the mystery girl?


No, I hadn’t heard that Ryan Prince was staying at the very resort I had just started working at.

If I had, maybe I would have called in sick.

On second thought, maybe I wouldn’t have, because I really needed that paycheck. Being a single mother and having a lapse in child support had made me that desperate.

Still, I would have rather avoided the circus that rolled into Hawk Tail Resort and the man who sauntered in with it.

All these years later and he was still that same gorgeous football player I left behind in college.

Except now he wasn’t gracing the gridiron unless it was for a movie role.

I assumed he wouldn’t even recognize me, not with the actress on his arm and the crowd pressing in around him.

Ryan Prince didn’t just recognize me; the angry tilt of those lips on that too perfect face told me he remembered exactly what I did when I left.

I thought maybe this was a gift, a way to put the past to rest…but the look on his face told me he had plans to dig up everything that was unfinished between us.

The summer was about to end, but it felt like my penance for the last decade was about to begin.


Love, the Viscount, & Me by Aven Ellis


Love, the Viscount, & Me is a novella that appears in the Love in the City boxed set. Now why am I singling out one of the thirteen books that are in the set? Um, it should be obvious! Love, the Viscount, & Me is written by Aven Ellis! If you know me at all then you know I have read ALL of her books. All of them. So I'm not going to let this one pass me by.

Do I know what it's about? Not completely. If memory serves me correctly, this is setting us up for a spin off of the Modern Royals series. Or at least I believe that is what Aven had said in her Facebook group. Since I love the Modern Royals, I am sure this one will be a beautiful start to this next series.

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas



Dear Sarah J Maas, do you know how long I've been waiting for the next installment of ACOTAR? SERIOUSLY! Thankfully my wait is almost over. I can only hope that it draws me in, and makes me fall back in love with the world. I am ready to see what happens with Nesta and Cassian. As well as catch up with the group. I am practically giddy over this release, and Amazon PLEASE deliver my book (yes, I bought a physical copy!) on the 16th. 

Not sure what ACOSF is about? Here's the description:
Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. 

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms 

Can I just say one thing that isn't important, but it still bugs me? WHY DID THEY REDESIGN THE COVERS FOR THE SERIES? Couldn't you just leave it alone? Or you know wait until the series is complete? Sigh. Like I said, it isn't important, it just irritates me. As much as I'd love my books to match, I'm not spending money on a new set. That's just wasteful. (plus I spend enough on books as it is.) And I know, it is a first world problem.

From this Moment by Kim Vogel Sawyer


If you are a fan of Christian fiction, then this book may be one you've had your eye on!

You might be thinking, "Laura why is it on your list? We rarely see you talk about Christian fiction". And you'd be correct. I don't talk a ton about it. However, I have been known to enjoy a book here and there. Heck a few years ago Christian fiction was my go to section in the book store. (I'm looking at you Karen Kingsbury and the Baxter family of books. As well as the Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson.) So while I may not talk about it often, it is a genre I enjoy. 

From this Moment is the latest release by Kim Vogel Sawyer, and it sounds AMAZING. I had found it on NetGalley, and then received an eARC, for review purposes, from Waterbrook Multnomah. I have not had the opportunity to read it yet, but that will happen soon. You can count on it. Full disclosure: yes, I would have picked up this book even if I hadn't been provided an eARC.

Here's what we know:
Growing up in the foster care system, Jase Edgar always dreamed of one day starting his own family. But his fiancĂ©e's untimely death shattered his plans. Moving to Kansas and serving as a youth minister should be a fresh start, but he can't seem to set aside his doubts about God's goodness long enough to embrace his new life. 

Newly-appointed church custodian, Lori Fowler is battling her own challenges. Her strained relationship with her father and her struggles with overeating convince her she's not worthy enough for love. When an Amish weaver enlists their help locating the owner of a ring found among the donated clothing she uses as fabric, Jase and Lori find themselves drawn to each other. But will they be able to release the past and move forward from this moment into a joyful future?
I'm looking forward to reading this book. Keep your eye out for an update either in my weekly wrap up or maybe even it's own blog post.

My Beautiful Neighbor by Piper Rayne



My Beautiful Neighbor is a brand new series from the duo of Piper Rayne. I have been anticipating this book since this spin off was announced. And yes, I consider it a spin off. After all had we not had the Baileys, we wouldn't have this group. From the sounds of it, Dori will make an appearance. I love that lady. But let's not focus on Dori right now. Right now, we are focused on the Greene family, and the town of Sunrise Bay. Who are the love interests? Well from my understanding it is someone from the Bailey family and someone from the Greene family. But that's ALL I KNOW!


Details, get your details! Oh and I'm sure Buzzwheel will have something for us eventually too!
Who’s the mystery woman who just walked into my brewery? 

I’m not the only one from my Alaskan small town asking themselves that question. But I’m positive, I’m the only one in Sunrise Bay undressing the pretty blonde in my head. Everything about her, from her make-up to her high heels says she’s a fish out of water. 

Whispers and speculations run rampant until the secret of who she is gets uncovered. Then the rumor mill goes into overdrive when she announces she’s staying to open a bookstore in the building next to mine—throwing a big wrench into my plans to buy that empty building.

I quickly find myself in a tug-of-war since my business partner/brother is upset she’s ruined the opportunity to expand our business. I try to keep my distance, but I’ve got one sister with a gossip column on the local radio station and two meddling grandmas setting me up as a tour director.

And now I kind of like the idea of our new neighbor staying. But small-town life isn’t for the weak—time will tell if she has what it takes to be one of us. 
I cannot wait to see what happens in the Greene family series! I also cannot wait to see how many books, and novellas, will be released. Yes, I'm greedy when it comes to my favorites.

So those are the books I am excited about. Now I know there are a lot more titles than this releasing, but obviously I cannot name every single book. We'd be here for DAYS! 

Tell me about the books you're anticipating this month. I'd love to hear about them!

Happy Reading,